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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Salus Populi, Suprema Lex, Further Reflections Based on the Samnite Wars, The Preservation of Freedom in a Republic.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Machiavelli in Section 1 of Book One, who are the two types of people who build cities?
(a) Princes and generals.
(b) Farmers and merchants.
(c) Men born in their location or foreigners.
(d) Craftsmen and politicians.

2. How does Machiavelli recommend a Republic deal with enemies that spring up within an empire?
(a) He recommends that efforts be made to temporize (compromise) them rather than crush them.
(b) He advises Princes to allow his supporters to conspire to assassinate the enemies.
(c) He advocates smearing them with public proclamations about the threat they pose.
(d) Princes should name appoint them to offices to leave their actions open to public scrutiny.

3. What does Machiavelli announce as the purpose of Book Two of "The Discourses" in the preface?
(a) What Roman people did to aggrandize the Empire.
(b) How to secure power by expanding it.
(c) How to use truth to persuade Citizens to support the power of the Prince.
(d) How to secure freedom for an Empire by keeping the military active.

4. What does Machiavelli believe to be important to extending the life of what he calls "mixed bodies" (Republics and Sects)?
(a) Returning to their original principles.
(b) Providing the means from the state to keep them secure.
(c) Keeping turmoil alive between common masses.
(d) Staying in a continual state of war.

5. What is Machiavelli's preferred military department?
(a) The infantry (foot soldier).
(b) The Cavalry.
(c) The Artillery.
(d) The Navy

Short Answer Questions

1. Who were the two Roman Consuls whose tactics Machiavelli compares as an example of how Princes can take what belongs to another?

2. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?

3. Why does Machiavelli suggest that a Prince keep his conquered territories disunited from the City over which he has his power?

4. What are the two things that Machiavelli cites as the causes of the dissolution of the Roman Republic?

5. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?

(see the answer key)

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