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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, The Use and Abuse of Dictatorship, The Road to Ruin, Sundry Reflections Based on the Decemvirate.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In defending his view that Roman Dictators served their city well, what phrase does Machiavelli use to explain how the Caesars absorbed their power?
(a) "Justice and power must be brought together, so that whatever is just may be powerful, and whatever is powerful may be just."
(b) "He who controls others may be powerful, but he who has mastered himself is mightier still."
(c) "It is power that easily acquires a name, not a name power."
(d) "Power corrupts. Knowledge is power. Study hard. Be evil."

2. According to Machiavelli, how did the Nobles of Rome attempt to correct the limit on the wealth that was placed on them by Agrarian Laws?
(a) Rome would send out armies to colonize lands that were then distributed to Nobles.
(b) The Nobles took political control over the Senate and changed the laws to allow Nobles to control all the land of the Empire.
(c) They reduced taxes on themselves and used their increased wealth to buy back their land.
(d) They raised taxes on Plebes who used the land awarded to them by the Agrarian Laws.

3. What is a Prince as Machiavelli uses the term?
(a) An underling to the ruling authority.
(b) A dispatched bureaucrat that carries out orders over a territory.
(c) A hereditary noble.
(d) A monarch over a sovereign system of government and territory.

4. What did Machiavelli report led gatherings of people to make laws?
(a) To set order to the defense of the city.
(b) To protect economic activity that benefited the city.
(c) So resources could be justly distributed.
(d) To avoid evils that people committed on others.

5. What does Machiavelli predict will come to Republics that do not provide for dictatorships or powerful authorities in times of urgent perils?
(a) The trust leaders show in the people will inspire them to overcome the peril.
(b) A Republican government will always move in the benefit of everyone dependent on them.
(c) They will always be ruined in grave incidents.
(d) The gathering of officials will paralyze the Republic in debate.

Short Answer Questions

1. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?

2. Why does Machiavelli consider the Roman Caesars to have been a benefit to the Roman Empire?

3. How does Machiavelli suggest that Princes and other leaders deal with acts that offend their citizens?

4. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?

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

(see the answer key)

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