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 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.

For what reason does Machiavelli advise people in power to, "...lay aside personal hatred?" (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 serve the freedom of the Self.

For the good of the country.

To build good families.

To prepare for war.

Why does Machiavelli suggest that Republics arrive to changing with the times later than individuals? (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)

Because the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.

Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.

Because they suffer more in changing.

Because their leaders are out of touch with the Citizens.

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

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

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

By finding methods to maintain poverty throughout the general masses.

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)

Never.

When it is training.

While armies are engaged.

When it is camped in the open field.