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 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)

Incompetence.

Envy of other men.

The lack of methods to pass down customs.

They are at war.

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)

Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.

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

Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.

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

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."

Who were the two Roman Consuls whose tactics Machiavelli compares as an example of how Princes can take what belongs to another? (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)

Decius and Fabius.

Decius and Octavius.

Claudius and Brutus.

Fabius and Junius.

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 their leaders are out of touch with the Citizens.

Because they suffer more in changing.

Because the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.

Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.