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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. How does Machiavelli expect a city can keep its freedom after a weak Prince follows an excellent Prince?
(a) Only if a Prince with the virtue of the excellent Prince follows the weak Prince.
(b) Only if the city does not fall into war with a more virtuous city.
(c) Only if administrators conspire to act with the virtue of the excellent Prince.
(d) Only if the citizens ignore the weak Prince and organize themselves to retain virtue.

2. What does Machiavelli predict comes to those Republics that are changed violently.
(a) Peace will come when the leaders are destroyed.
(b) Injury will come to many.
(c) A stronger Republic will take control over it.
(d) Treaties will be made and order restored.

3. According to Machiavelli, what caused so much hard work for Rome as it expanded its Empire to distant provinces?
(a) The demands on farmers to provide the food for soldiers on long trips.
(b) The cost of sending the military to distant provinces.
(c) The damage to families who sent their working sons to war.
(d) The love of people of other lands for liberty.

4. Who were the Decemvirs?
(a) Officials who took their power in the last month of the year.
(b) The 12 Nobles who the Caesars appointed to help him manage the Empire.
(c) Courtiers who gathered around the Caesars to protect them during times of festivals.
(d) Ten citizens created by the Roman people to make the laws in Rome.

5. How does the institution that makes men "harsh or effeminate" influence them, according to Machiavelli?
(a) Because, "The Senate either deliberates or declares war."
(b) Because, "The magistrates either declare punishments or delays judgment."
(c) Because, "The Plebs either prepare for virtus of war or fall to corruption."
(d) Because, "It is very important that a young man of tender years begins to hear the good and bad of a thing."

Short Answer Questions

1. What are the two things that give an army confidence according to Machiavelli?

2. What does Machiavelli identify as the easiest way to "...ruin a Republic where the People have authority...."

3. What is Machiavelli's explanation for initiating his recommended approach with enemies against an empire?

4. What are the two causes that will bring a corrupted Republic to take the important step of extending its life?

5. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?

(see the answer key)

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