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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What, according to Machiavelli, did Epaminondas the Theban claim was most necessary and useful for a Captain?
(a) To fight in the open.
(b) To have new weapons.
(c) To know the decisions and proceedings of the enemy.
(d) To use new tactics.

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 disunity in a Republic?
(a) Fortune and leisure.
(b) Corruption and war.
(c) Idleness and peace.
(d) Wealth and industry.

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

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

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

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

8. 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 People will become indignant of the criticism.
(c) Because such faults result either from their negligence or because they are stained by similar faults.
(d) Because the insults will encourage conspiracy.

9. Why does Machiavelli advise Captains to use new things at the time that he does?
(a) Because the new technology requires different tactics.
(b) Because the enemy won't see them in camp.
(c) To give courage to his enemies and take it from enemies.
(d) Because training is the best time to determine their use.

10. In the comparison between the tactics of Scipio and Hannibal, what does Machiavelli consider to be praiseworthy?
(a) Feigned foolishness.
(b) Success.
(c) New uses of artillery.
(d) Surprise.

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

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

13. Against whom are conspiracies made?
(a) Republics and Senates.
(b) Princes and countries.
(c) Captains and Kings.
(d) Citizens and Plebs.

14. What opportunities come to Princes who take Machiavelli's advice in acting to take something from another Prince.
(a) The Prince who is being assaulted will be imprisoned.
(b) The Prince who is being assualted will not be able to consult his Captains.
(c) The Prince who is being assaulted might make decisions fueled by anger.
(d) The Prince who is being assaulted will have their army away from the City.

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, "It is better to know where you have been to know what direction you are going."
(c) Because Machiavelli believes, "Men are too quick to neglect the achievements of their fathers."
(d) Because Machiavelli believes, "only the fool says there is no God."

Short Answer Questions

1. In Book 3, Section 25, what does Machiavelli repeat to be the most useful thing to establish in a Republic?

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

3. What is the reason Machiavelli claims Princes with weaker armies would rush into battle?

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

5. What does Machiavelli recommend that prudent men avoid?

(see the answer keys)

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