Question

Read this passage from chapter 5 of The Prince.

But when cities or countries are accustomed to live
under a prince, and his family is exterminated, they,
being on the one hand accustomed to obey and on the
other hand not having the old prince, cannot agree in
making one from amongst themselves, and they do not
know how to govern themselves. For this reason they
are very slow to take up arms, and a prince can gain
them to himself and secure them much more easily. But
in republics there is more vitality, greater hatred, and
more desire for vengeance, which will never permit them
to allow the memory of their former liberty to rest; so that
the safest way is to destroy them or to reside there.
How does Machiavelli work to achieve his primary
purpose to convince readers that a prince must ruin a
conquered republic or live there? Select two options.
He lists the types of territories a prince might conquer.
He describes the role of a ruling family in a principality.
He explains the roots of rebellion in conquered
republics.
He identifies the characteristics of government in a
republic.
He contrasts the characteristics of principalities and
republics.

Answer 1

Machiavelli works to achieve his primary purpose of convincing readers that a prince must either ruin a conquered republic or live there by:

1. He contrasts the characteristics of principalities and republics: Machiavelli emphasizes the differences between how principalities and republics function. He points out that in principalities, where people are accustomed to living under a prince, they may be more easily governed by a new prince if the old ruling family is exterminated. On the other hand, in republics, there is a stronger desire for freedom and a greater likelihood of rebellion.

2. He explains the roots of rebellion in conquered republics: Machiavelli argues that in republics, there is more vitality, greater hatred, and a stronger desire for vengeance. This means that the memory of their former liberty will not easily fade, making it difficult for them to accept a new ruler. Therefore, it is safer for a prince to either destroy a conquered republic or reside there in order to maintain control.

So, the correct options are:

- He contrasts the characteristics of principalities and republics.

- He explains the roots of rebellion in conquered republics.

Step-by-step explanation: