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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?
(a) Magistrates who used public works as a means of keeping political support from the general masses.
(b) The Plebes who had very busy working lives.
(c) The benefit of the Kings who needed occupiers throughout the Empire.
(d) The benefit of Nobles and people in power.

2. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?
(a) They face invasion, destruction and anhilation.
(b) They have no alternative but to join alliances with powerful Republics that will take control of them.
(c) They will eventually fade away and reemerge as a tyranny.
(d) They cannot settle conflicts except with force because their weakness prevents them from resolving doubts over issues.

3. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?
(a) With advice to two friends on how to keep their friends close and their enemies closer.
(b) As a letter to two political thinkers from Florence.
(c) As a warning to future generations of the tenuous nature of freedom.
(d) As a cynical commentary to the weakness of leaders of his time.

4. What does "Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis" mean?
(a) Creative Romans will bring ruins to Alba.
(b) Rome and Alba ruined Crete's industry.
(c) The Roman interrogations ruined Albanian Fertile Crescent.
(d) Rome grew on the ruins of Alba .

5. What were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes that Machiavelli reported were taken by Roman Nobility in Book 1, Section 52?
(a) A regular schedule of holidays throughout the year that gave Plebes an opportunity to rest.
(b) Allowing Plebes to contend for four Tribune positions and paying wages to soldiers.
(c) Offerings to Plebes of land in newly captured territories.
(d) A reduction of taxes and the initiation of public works jobs for which Plebes would have the first opportunity for hiring.

6. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.
(a) He will eventually become overwhelmed by his conscience and slip away into obscurity.
(b) He will find ways to subvert the Prince and take his power.
(c) He will become the most effective aide to the Prince and help expand his power over the citizens.
(d) He will, in short time, become so insolent as to put an end to all civil law.

7. How did Machiavelli report that the Nobles controlled the process of Plebes having the opportunity to choose Plebes for four Tribunes?
(a) They controlled the means of Plebes to provide for themselves.
(b) They began a war and had many Plebes sent to a foreign province.
(c) They offered choices between highly reputable Nobles and ignoble Plebes who asked to be considered for the positions.
(d) They were in charge of counting the votes.

8. Why does Machiavelli claim these forms of government developed?
(a) So those with wealth could protect themselves from those who had none.
(b) To prevent people with the ability to use force from destroying each other.
(c) To provide defense for people who gathered together.
(d) So those with influence could hold it without violence.

9. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?
(a) His fortune and forces.
(b) His fortune and his reputation.
(c) His reputation and family.
(d) His city and his chief advisers.

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

11. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.
(b) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.
(c) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.
(d) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.

12. Reviewing earlier chapters of "The Discourses", why would Machiavelli consider long wars in foreign lands important?
(a) Because Machiavelli suggested long wars helped to keep Republics united.
(b) Because long wars assures that poverty will be maintained for everyone in the Republic.
(c) Because Machiavelli considers fighting wars and building empires to be signs of virtuous leaders.
(d) Because long wars give Nobles an opportunity for Nobles to encourage Plebes to perform glorious works for the Republic.

13. In Book 1, Section 37, what does Machiavelli claim to be the foundation of well-ordered Republics?
(a) They keep the public and the Citizens rich.
(b) They keep the public and the Citizens poor.
(c) They keep the public [State] rich and its Citizens poor.
(d) They keep the Citizens rich and the public poor.

14. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?
(a) The larger population of citizens became unhappy with the the political preferences of the Princes.
(b) The general population became dissatisfied with the distribution of wealth.
(c) Less powerful people desired the power of the Prince.
(d) They degenerated from their fathers, and surpassed others in sumptuousness and lasciviousness and in every other kind of delight.

15. 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?
(a) "Beware the Ides of March."
(b) "Vini. Vidi. Vici."
(c) "I see the better things, and approve; I follow the worse."
(d) "All evil examples have their origins in good beginnings."

Short Answer Questions

1. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?

2. What should the reader consider as evil when Machiavelli is advising Princes to "recognize evils".

3. What is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?

4. Through what means does Machiavelli suggest that a City can achieve what he considers greatness?

5. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?

(see the answer keys)

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