Question

Read this paragraph from chapter 5 of The Prince.

Whenever those states which have been acquired as
stated have been accustomed to live under their own
laws and in freedom, there are three courses for those
who wish to hold them: the first is to ruin them, the next
is to reside there in person, the third is to permit them
to live under their own laws, drawing a tribute, and
establishing within it an oligarchy which will keep it
friendly to you. Because such a government, being
created by the prince, knows that it cannot stand
without his friendship and interest, and does its utmost
to support him; and therefore he who would keep a city
accustomed to freedom will hold it more easily by the
means of its own citizens than in any other way.
Which statement best summarizes the central idea of
the paragraph?
O A prince can hold a newly acquired state that is
accustomed to freedom only by first ruining it, then
moving there and establishing an oligarchy that is
loyal to him.
O There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly
acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it,
live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him
and the third way is easiest.
A prince can hold a newly acquired state that is
accustomed to freedom only by first ruining it, then
moving there and winning the citizens' loyalty by
granting them freedom.
O There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly
acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it,
live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him,

Answer 1

The best summary of the paragraph is that a prince has three tactics to control a state used to freedom: destroying it, residing there, or forming a supportive oligarchy, with the latter being the simplest strategy.

The statement that best summarizes the central idea of the paragraph from chapter 5 of The Prince by Machiavelli is: There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it, live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him and the third way is easiest.

This concise statement reflects Machiavelli's analysis of governing acquired territories with a focus on those accustomed to freedom and self-governance.

By suggesting the establishment of an oligarchy friendly to the prince, Machiavelli outlines a strategic approach to maintain control with minimal resistance.