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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 Popular Demand for a Share in Government, The Management of the Populace, The Advantages of Popular Government.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?
(a) Keeping friends close and enemies closer.
(b) In times of peace not neglecting the arrangements of war.
(c) Picking battles that are important enough to fight and small enough to win.
(d) Knowing that the enemy of his enemy is his friend.

2. Of what should Princes be most ashamed in Machiavelli's view?
(a) Being discovered to be self-absorbed and not devoted to building the strength of their cities.
(b) Consuming his wealth in debauchery.
(c) Missing opportunities to conquer other cities.
(d) Lacking their own soldiers for defense and offense.

3. In Book 1, Section 37, what does Machiavelli claim to be the foundation of well-ordered Republics?
(a) They keep the Citizens rich and the public poor.
(b) They keep the public [State] rich and its Citizens poor.
(c) They keep the public and the Citizens rich.
(d) They keep the public and the Citizens poor.

4. What is another method that Machiavelli reports leaders use to offend their citizens?
(a) Persisting in harsh punishments for misdemeanors.
(b) Persisting in acts that are considered offensive to citizens.
(c) Refusing to provide wealth to the general masses.
(d) Refusing to provide sufficient education for the youth.

5. What is Machiavelli's explanation for initiating his recommended approach with enemies against an empire?
(a) Because those who try to crush it, make its force greater, and make that evil which is suspected from it to be accelerated.
(b) Because the public humiliation of the enemy will expose supporters to the Citizens who will then act to neutralize the conspiracy.
(c) Because taking out the head of a movement will lead to the death of the body.
(d) Because putting the leaders of enemies in positions of public responsibility will require them to make decisions that will be rejected by conspiracies.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil?

2. What were the reasons that Machiavelli cited for the Roman Senate choosing to pay a public stipend to fighting men (soldiers)?

3. To what does Machiavelli compare great kingdoms and republics from history?

4. 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?

5. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?

(see the answer key)

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