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:

To determine the main idea, analyze each option:

• Option 1: The paragraph lists three means but focuses more on the third (establishing a friendly govt) and why it's effective, not just listing the three. Eliminate.
• Option 2: The paragraph says using the citizens' own means (via a friendly oligarchy) is easier, but the option's phrasing about "playing on interests" is not as accurate as the third option's focus on the friendly government. Eliminate.
• Option 3: The paragraph explains the loyalty of the oligarchy but the main idea is about how to hold the state, not just the loyalty. Eliminate.
• Option 4: The paragraph details that one way (the third course) to hold a free-acquired state is to establish a friendly oligarchy (government) and explains why it works (the oligarchy needs the prince's support, so it supports him, making it easier to hold the state). This matches the main point.

Answer:

D. One way to hold a newly acquired state accustomed to freedom is to establish a friendly government.