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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 to be necessary when restoring a Republic from a Tyranny?
(a) Free, fair elections.
(b) Public works projects that help provide citizens with provisions.
(c) Colonies.
(d) Memorable executions against the enemies of the Republic.

2. How do weak men handle changes in fortune, according to Machiavelli?
(a) They are vain and inebriated by good fortune and vile and abject in bad fortune.
(b) They are arrogant in good times and cowards in bad times.
(c) They are greedy in good times and beggars in bad times.
(d) They are insufferable in good times and obscure in bad times.

3. What does Machiavelli claim comes to those Republics that are changed through the general public?
(a) The public will appoint inept leaders and it will fall.
(b) New elections will be controlled by the general public.
(c) Only the head of the Republic will be harmed.
(d) The Republic will break apart and be at war with its separate pieces.

4. Who does Machiavelli credit with protecting Rome from the ambitions of the Tribunes?
(a) Appius Claudius.
(b) Lucius Brutus.
(c) Claudius Lucius.
(d) Junius Claudius.

5. 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, "for all the things of the world in every time have had the very resemblance as those of ancient times.
(d) Because Machiavelli believes, "It is better to know where you have been to know what direction you are going."

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

7. How did Phillip of Macedonia avoid battles with Fabius Maximus?
(a) By moving his soldiers into provinces that Fabius had just left.
(b) By staying in a fort.
(c) By making an alliance with the Samnites.
(d) By disassmbling and going home.

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

9. Why does Machiavelli consider it impossible to establish a perpetual Republic?
(a) Because a Republic will always have ambitious men.
(b) Because all the ruling Nobles will have to be sent to colonies.
(c) Because in a thousand unforeseen ways its ruin may be caused.
(d) Because a Republic must always send its best men to war.

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

11. What does Machiavelli believe comes to a good army without a good Captain?
(a) It regroups and promotes its most virtuous member.
(b) It sells itself to the highest bidder.
(c) It becomes insolent and dangerous.
(d) It breaks apart and goes home.

12. Why does Machiavelli believe the Roman Republic grew?
(a) Because of the virtue of its soldiers.
(b) Because of the strength of its Captains.
(c) Because of the wisdom of its Magistrates.
(d) Because of the money of its Nobles.

13. What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics?
(a) Scribes.
(b) Common men.
(c) Vocal men.
(d) Excellent men.

14. What example does Machiavelli use to show how a Republic can handle a malady?
(a) Captains using deception to preserve freedom.
(b) The Senate using wisdom to avert disaster.
(c) Plebs developing industry to create wealth.
(d) Immigrants taking part in elections and affecting the laws of government.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How many commanders does Machiavelli advise over an army?

2. What does Machiavelli predict will come of corrupted Republics if they do not take the important step of extending its life?

3. What does Machiavelli praise of the ancient Roman battlefield tactics?

4. What knowledge is necessary for a Captain to be successful?

5. What did Livius' history of Rome identify as the three divisions of the Roman army?

(see the answer keys)

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