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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 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.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli suggest wars should be quick with limited damage to the conquered City?
(a) To reduce the cost to the conquering Prince and preserve the resources of the conquered city as booty for the conquering forces.
(b) So armies can be brought home to participate in a productive economy.
(c) So armies can be readied for the next war.
(d) So Citizens are not burdened by the demands of the war.

2. What does Machiavelli believe to the nature of men that causes them to either fight from ambition or from necessity?
(a) Men that choose to fight always fight for the glory of the City.
(b) Men that choose to fight always fight for personal benefit.
(c) They are able to desire everything but are not able to attain everything.
(d) They fight so they can have the power to deliver liberty to themselves and the City.

3. What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics?
(a) Scribes.
(b) Common men.
(c) Vocal men.
(d) Excellent men.

4. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?
(a) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.
(b) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions helps to keep important advisers within the circle of government.
(c) Because keeping the appearance of those institutions assures a smooth transition of power.
(d) Because the general masses are satisfied with appearances and are moved by things as they appear rather than by the way they operate (perception is reality).

5. What are the two important items that Machiavelli considers to be unwise for a Prince to put entirely into peril?
(a) His city and his chief advisers.
(b) His fortune and forces.
(c) His reputation and family.
(d) His fortune and his reputation.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Machiavelli expect a city can keep its freedom after a weak Prince follows an excellent Prince?

2. What is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?

3. What does Machiavelli praise of the ancient Roman battlefield tactics?

4. What was a rival Empire to Rome as Rome began its expansion?

5. Why does Machiavelli suggest that a Prince keep his conquered territories disunited from the City over which he has his power?

(see the answer key)

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