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 prevented the ambitions of the Nobles from corrupting Rome? (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)

Social ostracism by the Senate.

Wars drained their wealth.

The expanded Empire required that they move to colonies to lead them.

The power of the Tribunes and the Plebes.

What does "Crescit interea Roma Albae ruinis" mean? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, Preface, Methods of Expansion, Colonization and War: Its Causes and Cost, Diplomacy and War)

The Roman interrogations ruined Albanian Fertile Crescent.

Rome grew on the ruins of Alba .

Creative Romans will bring ruins to Alba.

Rome and Alba ruined Crete's industry.

What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics? (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)

Excellent men.

Common men.

Scribes.

Vocal men.

What is Machiavelli's conclusion regarding how someone can establish a Republic where there is great equality? (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)

By finding methods to maintain poverty throughout the general masses.

By assuring that the assets that create wealth are kept within the power of the State.

By removing ambitious and unquiet spirits that makes men want to move up in rank.

By uniting the whole public behind wars and efforts to grow the Empire.

What does Machiavelli advise Princes in observing promises made under force? (from Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Salus Populi, Suprema Lex, Further Reflections Based on the Samnite Wars, The Preservation of Freedom in a Republic)

To observe them until which time they can fight for freedom.

To observe them without reservation as they put themselves in the situation due to incompenence.

To deceive the party who forces the promise until they can make alliances that will defeat him.

That they are not to be observed when the force is removed.