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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, Sundry Reflections on the Kings of Rome, The Introduction of New Forms of Government, Ingratitude.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli suggest that those who have received great rewards should not be spared punishments for acting badly?
(a) Because doing so helps to find the most ardent supporters of the Prince.
(b) Because doing so gives the Prince the opportunity to prove his harshness.
(c) Because doing so helps the Republic remain free for a long time.
(d) Because doing so keeps the most famous citizens obedient to the Prince.

2. What did Machiavelli identify as the cause of conspiracy against a hereditary Princes?
(a) The larger population of citizens became unhappy with the the political preferences of the Princes.
(b) The general population became dissatisfied with the distribution of wealth.
(c) They degenerated from their fathers, and surpassed others in sumptuousness and lasciviousness and in every other kind of delight.
(d) Less powerful people desired the power of the Prince.

3. What are the five types of government identified by Machiavelli?
(a) Tyranny, constitutional, military oligarchy, principality, and democracy.
(b) Democracy, anarchy, monarchy, constitutional, and institutional.
(c) Monarchy, aristocracy, democracy, oligarchy, and anarchy.
(d) Republic, fascistic, democracy, principality, and oligarchy.

4. What is the branch of government that Machiavelli recognizes as that which most prevents or causes corruption to come over a city?
(a) The plebeian branch.
(b) The judicial (magistrates) branch.
(c) The princes.
(d) The legislative branch.

5. What does Machiavelli consider an important tool in maintaining the order of a Republic?
(a) Wars that keep the citizenry focused on supporting the City.
(b) The ability to control the perceptions of citizens.
(c) Proper administration of rewards and punishments.
(d) Fear of harsh administrators.

Short Answer Questions

1. Of what should Princes be most ashamed in Machiavelli's view?

2. What did Machiavelli establish as the cycle of governing forms?

3. How did Machiavelli begin the preface to "The Discourses"?

4. Why does Machiavelli claim these forms of government developed?

5. How does Machiavelli predict a citizen will conduct himself if he is not punished for his misdeeds because of his reputation for doing good deeds, according to Machiavelli.

(see the answer key)

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