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!

What does Machiavelli identify as the cause of using dishonorable words against an enemy? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, The Army, Its Discipline and Component Parts, The Administration of Conquered Territory and Other Problems Which Admit of No Middle Course, Mistakes Often Made in Connection With War, Rome's Dealings With Neighboring)

Poor discipline in the army.

Poor military tactics of the enemy.

Corruption that leads to an enemy's defeat.

False hopes brought by victory.

Who does Machiavelli credit with protecting Rome from the ambitions of the Tribunes? (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)

Junius Claudius.

Appius Claudius.

Claudius Lucius.

Lucius Brutus.

What is Machiavelli's conclusion regarding how someone can establish a Republic where there is great equality? (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)

By removing ambitious and unquiet spirits that makes men want to move up in rank.

By assuring that the assets that create wealth are kept within the power of the State.

By finding methods to maintain poverty throughout the general masses.

By uniting the whole public behind wars and efforts to grow the Empire.

Of what is Machiavelli critical regarding the military tactics of his day? (from Book Two, The Growth of Rome's Empire, The Army, Its Discipline and Component Parts, The Administration of Conquered Territory and Other Problems Which Admit of No Middle Course, Mistakes Often Made in Connection With War, Rome's Dealings With Neighboring)

They do not employ Cavalry to its fullest potential.

That they do not employ the tactics of ancient Rome.

They rely on Artillery too much.

They avoid frontal assault.

What does Machiavelli advise Princes in observing promises made under force? (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)

To observe them until which time they can fight for freedom.

To observe them without reservation as they put themselves in the situation due to incompenence.

That they are not to be observed when the force is removed.

To deceive the party who forces the promise until they can make alliances that will defeat him.