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!

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.

Scribes.

Vocal men.

Common men.

What does Machiavelli claim causes unity in a Republic? (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)

Fear and war.

Fortune and leisure.

Idleness and peace.

Wealth and industry.

What does Machiavelli name as the reason that good men cannot accomplish good for his country? (from Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Internal Security, Equanimity, Insurrection, Confidence, Electioneering, and the Tendering of Advice, Advice to Generals in the Field)

They are at war.

Incompetence.

The lack of methods to pass down customs.

Envy of other men.

What advice does Machiavelli offer in Book 1, Section 52 to those who want to pursue their ambitions? (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)

"Keep away from those who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make yhou believe that you too can become great."

"Ambition is the last infirmity of Noble minds."

"He who is blinded by ambition, raises himself to a position whence he cannot mount higher must herafter fall with greatest loss."

"...(C)onsider the defects and perils which it [presents], and not to undertake it if it should be more dangerous than useful,...."

How does the institution that makes men "harsh or effeminate" influence them, according to Machiavelli? (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)

Because, "It is very important that a young man of tender years begins to hear the good and bad of a thing."

Because, "The magistrates either declare punishments or delays judgment."

Because, "The Plebs either prepare for virtus of war or fall to corruption."

Because, "The Senate either deliberates or declares war."