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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?

2. What, according to Machiavelli in Book , 1 Section 38, is the fate of irresolute Republics?

3. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?

4. What does "Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis" mean?

5. What were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes that Machiavelli reported were taken by Roman Nobility in Book 1, Section 52?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the reasons that Machiavelli gives for people who leave their home country for another out of necessity?

2. What are the three types of state that Machiavelli detailed and by what name are they known today?

3. Why does Machiavelli recommend to leaders of a Republic to keep a shadow of the institutions that are being reformed?

4. Why does Machiavelli report that the Roman Senate decided to pay a public stipend to the soldiers in the army?

5. What acts by governing officials does Machiavelli consider "pernicious" or damaging to the authority of the government?

6. What does Machiavelli claim proves the Romans' love for liberty?

7. How does Machiavelli explain that a City grows either through love or through force?

8. What two methods did Machiavelli identify that Roman Nobility drew honor from the Plebes?

9. Why were the Plebe candidates not suited for the open positions of the Tribunes?

10. What does Machiavelli claim to be the practice of writers of history who, "...so obey the fortune of the winners...?"

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the beginning of Book 2, Machiavelli begins investigating what he considers to be virtuous touches on "virtu" throughout the rest of "The Discourses". Find two characterizations of what Machiavelli considers "virtu" with which you agree and two with which you do not. Explain your positions in each case and give examples of how your choices have been proven through history.

Essay Topic 2

In Book 3, Sections 43 and 46, Machiavelli details how customs are handed down in Cities and through families. Give examples from your personal experiences that support statements from the two chapters. If Machiavelli was alive today, how would he evaluate the qualities of customs that are handed down in modern American Cities and families? Use statements from the book to support your assertions.

Essay Topic 3

Machiavelli gives seemingly conflicting advice regarding changing governments in Book 1, Sections 25 and 26. Identify the differences between the two situations over which Machiavelli recommends changes and compare one example each that Machiavelli gives in the two chapters to changes in governments to two world events over the last 70 years.

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