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. what is the most important idea the author wants readers to know? there are three means of holding a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom. the easiest way to hold a newly acquired state is to play on the citizens own interests. a government created by a prince knows that it is in its own interest to remain loyal to the prince. one way to hold a newly acquired state accustomed to freedom is to establish a friendly government.

Explanation:

The paragraph from The Prince discusses three ways to hold a state accustomed to freedom. The key idea is presented in the first sentence. The other options either focus on a part of the content (like the third option only talking about the government's loyalty) or are not the main overall idea (the second option about the easiest way isn't the main point as the first sentence sets the three - course structure). The fourth option is just one of the three courses. The first option correctly summarizes the main idea of the paragraph which is about the three means.

Answer:

There are three means of holding a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom.