This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Reform, Security, and the Elimination of Rivals, On Conspiracies, The Need of Adaptation to Environment.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Machiavelli, what was one negative consequence of the Roman Senate's decision to pay soldiers out of public money?
(a) It raised taxes on Nobles.
(b) Rome was required to produce more currency to meet the payments, so the currency was devalued.
(c) Soldiers began expecting regular pay raises.
(d) So many Citizens joined the military that there were not enough to perform necessary jobs throughout the Republic.

2. When Machiavelli writes, "For sometimes of necessity our judgment is the truth, as human affairs are always in motion, either ascending or descending," what is he writing about what he believes about truth?
(a) You can't make sound judgments without having a firm grasp on the truth.
(b) Truth is irrelevant to the reason for making judgments.
(c) Truth is not as important as the people you make relationships with.
(d) Machiavelli considers truth to be relative.

3. What does Machiavelli consider to be a great sign of weakness in Republic?
(a) When it provides money to other cities that are weaker than it.
(b) When it continually keeps armies out of fear of other Republics.
(c) When it relies on war to gain new territory.
(d) When it uses diplomatic skill to cajole the support of other Republics.

4. Why does Machiavelli suggest that Republics arrive to changing with the times later than individuals?
(a) Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.
(b) Because the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.
(c) Because their leaders are out of touch with the Citizens.
(d) Because they suffer more in changing.

5. What does Machiavelli believe inspired the expansion of the Roman Empire?
(a) Harsh Captains guiding the military.
(b) Aggression and murder.
(c) Virtue.
(d) Keeping Citizens in poverty.

Short Answer 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?

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. According to Machiavelli, what caused the Roman Republic to form?

5. What does Machiavelli consider necessary to take control over a Republic to install a bad form of government over it?

(see the answer key)

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