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 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)

Wealth and industry.

Fear and war.

Idleness and peace.

Fortune and leisure.

What opportunities come to Princes who take Machiavelli's advice in acting to take something from another Prince. (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)

The Prince who is being assaulted will be imprisoned.

The Prince who is being assaulted might make decisions fueled by anger.

The Prince who is being assualted will not be able to consult his Captains.

The Prince who is being assaulted will have their army away from the City.

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)

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

"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."

"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."

What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy? (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)

False hopes brought by victory.

Poor military tactics of the enemy.

Corruption that leads to an enemy's defeat.

Poor discipline in the army.

How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil? (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)

"Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."

"Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."

"...(W)ith as much grace and as honorably as he can, attiring himself with the insignia of his rank which he holds in order to make himself more revered."

"The man of power should present himself with cold ruthlessness and avoid any show of sentimentality."