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)

The power of the Tribunes and the Plebes.

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

Wars drained their wealth.

Social ostracism by the Senate.

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)

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

Soldiers began expecting regular pay raises.

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

It raised taxes on Nobles.

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 do not employ Cavalry to its fullest potential.

That they do not employ the tactics of ancient Rome.

They rely on Artillery too much.

They avoid frontal assault.

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.

When Machiavelli writes, "For sometimes of necessity our judgment is the truth, as human affairs are always in motion, either ascending or descending," what is he writing about what he believes about truth? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, Preface, Methods of Expansion, Colonization and War: Its Causes and Cost, Diplomacy and War)

You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.

Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.

Truth is not as important as the people you make relationships with.

Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.