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!

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."

"...(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."

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

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

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.

Wealth and industry.

Idleness and peace.

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

By finding methods to maintain poverty throughout the general masses.

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

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

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)

Scribes.

Excellent men.

Common men.

Vocal men.

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 they suffer more in changing.

Because the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.

Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.

Because their leaders are out of touch with the Citizens.