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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. What does Machiavelli claim happens to great men in times of peace?
(a) They become tyrants.
(b) They become neglected.
(c) They retire and slip into obscurity.
(d) They become corrupted and evil.

2. How does Machiavelli advise a Captain to consider a tactical error by an enemy?
(a) Good fortune as it foretells victory.
(b) Cautiously as it is probably a deception.
(c) The time to draw the enemy into the open.
(d) The time to strike with all strength.

3. What opportunities come to Princes who take Machiavelli's advice in acting to take something from another Prince.
(a) The Prince who is being assaulted might make decisions fueled by anger.
(b) The Prince who is being assaulted will have their army away from the City.
(c) The Prince who is being assaulted will be imprisoned.
(d) The Prince who is being assualted will not be able to consult his Captains.

4. What has Machiavelli considered many times to be the causes of good and bad fortunes to men?
(a) Their choice of friends.
(b) Decisions for military tactics.
(c) Their manner of proceeding with the times.
(d) Enemies knowing their plans.

5. What kinds of men are frowned upon in corrupt Republics?
(a) Excellent men.
(b) Vocal men.
(c) Common men.
(d) Scribes.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli consider the public a better judge than Princes for who should occupy public offices.

2. Why does Machiavelli suggest that Republics arrive to changing with the times later than individuals?

3. According to Machiavelli, why did Livius believe the Roman Republic grew?

4. In Book 3, Section 1, what does Machiavelli declare to be, "...a most true thing...."

5. Why does Machiavelli consider men prudent for considering the proverb he cites at the beginning of Book 2, Section 49?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Machiavelli devote his longest section of "The Discourses" to discussing conspiracy?

2. What is the advice that Machiavelli gives to Princes who take possessions from another Prince?

3. Why doesn't Machiavelli expect promises made under force to be kept?

4. What does Machiavelli recommend to Captains as an element of strategy to assure success in capturing a town?

5. Why would there be much bloodshed in the cases that a Republic moves violently from tyranny to freedom?

6. Why does Machiavelli claim that the Senate and Plebes rose up to take control of Rome from Tarquinius Superbus ?

7. When Machiavelli uses the word "esteemed" in reference to artillery and infantry, what does he mean?

8. What does Machiavelli write of in Book Three, Section 14 when he reviews, "...new inventions and new voices...," and why does he recommend these to be used in the heat of battle?

9. What does Machiavelli recommend as the three methods of reuniting a City that has been divided?

10. What were the two evils that Machiavelli claims came to Rome as its Empire grew in geographical size?

(see the answer keys)

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