This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Book Three, The Example of Rome's Great Men, Salus Populi, Suprema Lex, Further Reflections Based on the Samnite Wars, The Preservation of Freedom in a Republic.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What are the two means that Machiavelli identifies as how laws are developed in cities at the beginning of Section 2, Book One.
(a) At one time by one man and by chance at several times according to events.
(b) Through Princes or through Republics.
(c) By war and by peace.
(d) Through dominion of the wealthy or through bartering agreements.

2. What is the main point Machiavelli investigates as he prepares to discuss the affects of strong Princes and weak Princes?
(a) Whether a free state (government) can exist in a city that is corrupted.
(b) Whether a free state can exist with virtuous Princes.
(c) Whether a free state can exist without laws.
(d) How strict power eliminates corruption and maintains freedom.

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

4. In Book 1, Section 46, Machiavelli credits the ruin of Republics on citizens who jump from one ambition to another. What was the phrase that Sallust put in the mouth of Caesar that explains how such ambitions begin?
(a) "Vini. Vidi. Vici."
(b) "All evil examples have their origins in good beginnings."
(c) "Beware the Ides of March."
(d) "I see the better things, and approve; I follow the worse."

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