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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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, "It is very important that a young man of tender years begins to hear the good and bad of a thing."
(d) Because, "The Plebs either prepare for virtus of war or fall to corruption."

2. What type of person does Machiavelli advise against promoting to important positions in a Republic?
(a) Anyone who has killed a rival.
(b) Anyone who has been done a notable injury by someone.
(c) Anyone who is ambitious.
(d) Anyone who has avoided war.

3. What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy?
(a) Poor discipline in the army.
(b) False hopes brought by victory.
(c) Corruption that leads to an enemy's defeat.
(d) Poor military tactics of the enemy.

4. 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 the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.
(c) Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.
(d) Because they suffer more in changing.

5. According to Machiavelli, what prevented the ambitions of the Nobles from corrupting Rome?
(a) The expanded Empire required that they move to colonies to lead them.
(b) Wars drained their wealth.
(c) The power of the Tribunes and the Plebes.
(d) Social ostracism by the Senate.

6. Who was esteemed as being wise for acting foolish from Livius' history of Rome?
(a) Junius Caesar.
(b) Octavious Brutus.
(c) Junius Brutus
(d) Caesar Junius.

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

8. What does Machiavelli write will prevent a bad Citizen from working evil in a Republic?
(a) General disregard for their reputation.
(b) The government taking steps to temporize the bad Citizen.
(c) The absence of corruption.
(d) Conspiracy against the bad Citizen.

9. Why does Machiavelli claim that Princes should not complain of faults of People under their authority?
(a) Because doing so will blind the Prince to conspiracy.
(b) Because the insults will encourage conspiracy.
(c) Because the People will become indignant of the criticism.
(d) Because such faults result either from their negligence or because they are stained by similar faults.

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

11. How does Machiavelli advise a Captain to consider a tactical error by an enemy?
(a) Good fortune as it foretells victory.
(b) The time to draw the enemy into the open.
(c) Cautiously as it is probably a deception.
(d) The time to strike with all strength.

12. Why does Machiavelli consider the public a better judge than Princes for who should occupy public offices.
(a) Because the public is swayed by true Nobility.
(b) Because Princes are too easily distracted by women.
(c) Because Princes play favorites.
(d) Because the public is guided by what others say of a candidate beyond publicly known acts.

13. On what does Machiavelli believe a Republic must be organized?
(a) The virtu of its Captains who will effectively deceive enemies.
(b) The wisdom of its Nobles who will know how to use wealth.
(c) The strength of its armies that can occupy provinces.
(d) On the reputation of Citizens that give benefit to the city and avoid harming it and its liberty.

14. When does Machiavelli advise Captains to try new things?
(a) When it is camped in the open field.
(b) Never.
(c) When it is training.
(d) While armies are engaged.

15. Why does Machiavelli consider men prudent for considering the proverb he cites at the beginning of Book 2, Section 49?
(a) Because Machiavelli believes, "for all the things of the world in every time have had the very resemblance as those of ancient times.
(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, "only the fool says there is no God."

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Machiavelli claim causes unity in a Republic?

2. What institution does Machiavelli cite in Chapter 46 as being responsible for producing men that are either "harsh or effeminate."

3. What does Machiavelli claim that prudent men usually say?

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

5. What were the results for the two Roman Consuls in Machiavelli's illustration?

(see the answer keys)

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