143048
AssignmentMultiple Choice

Analyzing Ideas, Structure, and Purpose in Machiavelli’s The Prince

Question 143048 • ELA 10B - 2023

Which sentence best summarizes the central idea of chapter 5 of The Prince?

Answer
A
Machiavelli’s three ways to hold a conquered state where people are used to living freely are to devastate them, occupy them, or establish an elected ruler and collect taxes.
B
Machiavelli offers three ways to keep a conquered state—destruction, occupation with taxation, or the establishment of an oligarchy—and suggests an oligarchy as the best method.
C
Machiavelli’s three methods of maintaining control of a new state include destroying the ruling family, democratically electing a prime minister, or reinstalling the deposed prince.
D
Machiavelli offers three ways to hold states that are accustomed to freedom—destruction, occupation, or the establishment of an oligarchy—and says that destruction or occupation is best.

Explanation

In chapter 5, Machiavelli discusses how to control a city that was used to living under its own laws and in freedom. He gives three methods: destroy it, live there in person, or let it keep its laws under an oligarchy that remains loyal. He warns that such cities may rebel in the name of their former liberty, so destruction or direct occupation is the safer choice. Thus D best summarizes the chapter.

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