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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Based upon Machiavelli's details, for whose benefit were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes devoted?
(a) The benefit of Nobles and people in power.
(b) Magistrates who used public works as a means of keeping political support from the general masses.
(c) The benefit of the Kings who needed occupiers throughout the Empire.
(d) The Plebes who had very busy working lives.

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

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) Have them kidnapped and killed.
(d) Forestall their paths to attain the rank they seek.

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

5. What historical records did Machiavelli use to support his point for keeping two important items out of peril?
(a) Historical records of Tullus and Metius.
(b) Historical records of Hannibal and England.
(c) Historical records of military tactics.
(d) Historical records of Rome and France.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is an obvious counterpoint to Machiavelli's assertion to the benefits of the power of the Caesars to the Roman Empire?

2. What does Machiavelli consider prudence in a Prince or a King?

3. What were the "demonstrations made to the benefit" of Plebes that Machiavelli reported were taken by Roman Nobility in Book 1, Section 52?

4. What was the inspiration for Machiavelli's "The Discourses"?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli advise that a Prince "temporize" a perceived evil in his State?

2. In the title of Book 1, Section 8, what does Machiavelli mean with the phrase, "...so much so calumnies are pernicious...?"

3. Why did Machiavelli consider the naming of a Caesar (dictator) over Rome was beneficial to the Empire?

4. What are the reasons that Machiavelli gives for people who leave their home country for another out of necessity?

5. What kind of Prince does Machiavelli consider to be weak?

6. To what is Machiavelli referring when he writes of men jumping, "...from one ambition to another?"

7. Why were the Plebe candidates not suited for the open positions of the Tribunes?

8. What are the three types of state that Machiavelli detailed and by what name are they known today?

9. Why does Machiavelli recommend to leaders of a Republic to keep a shadow of the institutions that are being reformed?

10. What does Machiavelli recommend to be done if one wants to establish a Republic where it does not exist?

(see the answer keys)

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