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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider the most useful possession for the defense of a Republic?
(a) A good army.
(b) Strong fortresses.
(c) Harsh Captains.
(d) Wise diplomats.

2. What method of dealing with leaders of tumults that divide cities does Machiavelli favor?
(a) Conscripting combatants into the military.
(b) Dividing the City's wealth among the factions.
(c) Taking the women into slavery.
(d) Killing the leaders of tumults.

3. What does Machiavelli claim causes unity in a Republic?
(a) Wealth and industry.
(b) Fear and war.
(c) Idleness and peace.
(d) Fortune and leisure.

4. What, according to Machiavelli, determines whether or not a Republic falls into tyranny.
(a) The absence of its military.
(b) The reputation of its Citizens.
(c) The weakness of its Princes.
(d) The corruption of its Nobles.

5. What knowledge is necessary for a Captain to be successful?
(a) The knowledge of tactics.
(b) The knowledge of deception.
(c) The knowledge of sites (geography).
(d) The knowledge of the enemy.

6. Why does Machiavelli consider men prudent for considering the proverb he cites at the beginning of Book 2, Section 49?
(a) Because Machiavelli believes, "only the fool says there is no God."
(b) Because Machiavelli believes, "Men are too quick to neglect the achievements of their fathers."
(c) Because Machiavelli believes, "It is better to know where you have been to know what direction you are going."
(d) Because Machiavelli believes, "for all the things of the world in every time have had the very resemblance as those of ancient times.

7. What phrase could summarize what Livius' details as qualifications for an effective Captain.
(a) His wisdom is established by his deceptions.
(b) He earns animosity in training but trust in battle.
(c) His men hate his personality but love his tactics.
(d) He leads by deeds and not words.

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

9. What are Machiavelli's two thoughts on fortresses?
(a) They build confidence and demonstrate power.
(b) They are important for protection and wise for storing armaments.
(c) They are not necessary and harmful.
(d) They are costly and hard to maintain.

10. What does Machiavelli claim to be the cause of Princes losing inherited power?
(a) Indifference to their Principality.
(b) Arrogance.
(c) Their rejection of laws and ancient institutions.
(d) Incompetence.

11. What does Machiavelli praise of the ancient Roman battlefield tactics?
(a) The ability of the three divisions to outman enemies and scare them from the battlefields.
(b) The ability of the first division to puncture enemy lines so the second and third divisions can over run the command centers.
(c) The fierceness of the soldiers to dictate the terms of every battle.
(d) The ability of the second and third divisions to absorb fallen lines ahead of them and proceed in battle.

12. What does Machiavelli believe is the only consideration to be made when the defense of a country is at stake?
(a) To avoid combat or strike immediately.
(b) To live free or die.
(c) That the life of the country is safe and its liberty is maintained.
(d) To hide inside the City or escape to the open field.

13. What does Machiavelli identify as the three divisions of armies of his day?
(a) Infantry, Cavalry, and Artillery.
(b) Cavalry, Vanguard, and Artillery.
(c) Vanguard, Battle Corps, and Rearguard.
(d) Battle Corps, Navy, and Ordinance.

14. To whom did Machiavelli refer to demonstrate the value of poverty on the character of leadership?
(a) Cincinnatus.
(b) Brutus.
(c) Claudius.
(d) Caesar.

15. Why does Machiavelli suggest that Republics arrive to changing with the times later than individuals?
(a) Because their leaders are out of touch with the Citizens.
(b) Because they suffer more in changing.
(c) Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.
(d) Because the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the comparison between the tactics of Scipio and Hannibal, what does Machiavelli consider to be praiseworthy?

2. Against whom are conspiracies made?

3. What, according to Machiavelli, did Epaminondas the Theban claim was most necessary and useful for a Captain?

4. What does Machiavelli recommend as the three ways to restore a divided city?

5. What finally forced Phillip into battle with Fabius, according to Machiavelli?

(see the answer keys)

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