The Discourses Quiz

Take our free The Discourses quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

According to Machiavelli, what was one negative consequence of the Roman Senate's decision to pay soldiers out of public money? (from Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, The Popular Demand for a Share in Government, The Management of the Populace, The Advantages of Popular Government)

Soldiers began expecting regular pay raises.

Rome was required to produce more currency to meet the payments, so the currency was devalued.

It raised taxes on Nobles.

So many Citizens joined the military that there were not enough to perform necessary jobs throughout the Republic.

What are the two ways that Republics are altered that Machiavelli examines? (from Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Reform, Security, and the Elimination of Rivals, On Conspiracies, The Need of Adaptation to Environment)

With war and money.

With bloodshed and without bloodshed.

With free press and elections.

With natural disaster and new religions.

When does Machiavelli advise Captains to try new things? (from Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Sundry Remarks on Strategy, Tactics, New Devices and Discipline, Administrative Posts, Administrative Methods: The Rival Claims of Severity and Good Fellowship)

While armies are engaged.

When it is training.

When it is camped in the open field.

Never.

Through what means does Machiavelli suggest that a City can achieve what he considers greatness? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, Preface, Methods of Expansion, Colonization and War: Its Causes and Cost, Diplomacy and War)

Through fear and violence.

Through conquest and deceit.

Through laws and wealth.

Through love or force.

Of what is Machiavelli critical regarding the military tactics of his day? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, The Army, Its Discipline and Component Parts, The Administration of Conquered Territory and Other Problems Which Admit of No Middle Course, Mistakes Often Made in Connection With War, Rome's Dealings With Neighboring)

They rely on Artillery too much.

That they do not employ the tactics of ancient Rome.

They do not employ Cavalry to its fullest potential.

They avoid frontal assault.