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

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

3. What are reasons Machiavelli cited for a group of people leaving their native country to seek a new home?
(a) Racial conflict and economic injustice.
(b) Family strife and lack of work.
(c) Pestilence, famine or war.
(d) Overcrowding and social unrest.

4. What does Machiavelli identify as an important action for Nobles to take to control the ambitions of Citizens seeking position?
(a) Find ways to have them sent to war.
(b) Forestall their paths to attain the rank they seek.
(c) Have them kidnapped and killed.
(d) Find ways to bring the ambitious Citizens into Noble circles to keep them under watch and compromise their influence.

5. What was an example from Roman history that Machiavelli used to suggest the Plebes possesses greater wisdom than Nobles?
(a) The failed attempt of the Nobles to put Plebes of ill-repute to selection for Tribunes.
(b) A time when the Plebes could have chosen all Plebes for four Tribunes, chose, instead, four Nobles because they recognized the weaknesses of Plebes filling those offices.
(c) The willingness of the Plebes to go to war for the glory of Rome.
(d) The Magistrates decision to delay battle against the Samnites.

Short Answer Questions

1. What are two reasons Machiavelli gives for foreign forces building a city?

2. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?

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

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

5. Why does Machiavelli recommend that those who want to reform a city should retain the appearance of the institutions they want to reform?

(see the answer key)

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