The Discourses Quiz

Take our free The Discourses quiz below, with 25 multiple choice questions that help you test your knowledge. Determine which chapters, themes and styles you already know and what you need to study for your upcoming essay, midterm, or final exam. Take the free quiz now!

According to Machiavelli, what prevented the ambitions of the Nobles from corrupting Rome? (from Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Sundry Remarks on Strategy, Tactics, New Devices and Discipline, Administrative Posts, Administrative Methods: The Rival Claims of Severity and Good Fellowship)

The expanded Empire required that they move to colonies to lead them.

Social ostracism by the Senate.

The power of the Tribunes and the Plebes.

Wars drained their wealth.

How does the institution that makes men "harsh or effeminate" influence them, according to Machiavelli? (from 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)

Because, "The Senate either deliberates or declares war."

Because, "The magistrates either declare punishments or delays judgment."

Because, "It is very important that a young man of tender years begins to hear the good and bad of a thing."

Because, "The Plebs either prepare for virtus of war or fall to corruption."

What are the two ways that Republics are altered that Machiavelli examines? (from Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Reform, Security, and the Elimination of Rivals, On Conspiracies, The Need of Adaptation to Environment)

With natural disaster and new religions.

With free press and elections.

With war and money.

With bloodshed and without bloodshed.

How does Machiavelli suggest that a man with power should present himself to a city in turmoil? (from 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)

"Beauty is power; a smile is its sword."

"The man of power should present himself with cold ruthlessness and avoid any show of sentimentality."

"Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness."

"...(W)ith as much grace and as honorably as he can, attiring himself with the insignia of his rank which he holds in order to make himself more revered."

Why does Machiavelli suggest that Republics arrive to changing with the times later than individuals? (from Book Three, The Examples of Rome's Great Men, Reform, Security, and the Elimination of Rivals, On Conspiracies, The Need of Adaptation to Environment)

Because Citizens in a Republic are resistant to funding changes.

Because their leaders are out of touch with the Citizens.

Because they suffer more in changing.

Because the layers of bureaucracy is unresponsive.