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. 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 assures a smooth transition of power.
(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 helps to hide the true agenda of the Prince.
(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).

2. What does Machiavelli consider to be the worst example to be provided by leaders in a Republic?
(a) For leaders to choose weak captains.
(b) For leaders to avoid harsh punishments for law breakers.
(c) For leaders to neglect the ordering of an army.
(d) For leaders to make a law and refuse to observe it.

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

4. Why does Machiavelli claim that the rule of the Caesars was preferable to the regime of the Decemvirs?
(a) Because, according to Machiavelli, the Decemvirs did not pursue expansion of the Empire.
(b) Because under the Caesar, there remained the Tribunes, Consuls, and the Senate, to whom the Caesar remained responsible.
(c) Because Machiavelli believed that the Decemvirs were too lax on punishments for violators of the law.
(d) Because the Caesars ended Rome's state of continual war.

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