Question

There are fewer difficulties in holding hereditary states, and those long accustomed to the family of their prince, than new ones; for it is sufficient only not to transgress the customs of his ancestors, and to deal prudently with circumstances as they arise, for a prince of average powers to maintain himself in his state, unless he be deprived of it by some extraordinary and excessive force; and if he should be so deprived of it, whenever anything sinister happens to the usurper, he will regain it.

–The Prince,
Niccolò Machiavelli

Which statement best summarizes the central idea of this excerpt?

Hereditary principalities are easier for princes to keep and control.
Hereditary princes are better at ruling with fairness and justice.
It is best for a hereditary prince to maintain the customs of his ancestors.
If an outsider takes a hereditary state, the hereditary prince will regain it

Answer 1

Hereditary principalities are easier for princes to keep and control.

Explanation: Machiavelli argues that rulers of hereditary states face fewer difficulties because simply maintaining ancestral customs and prudently handling events is usually enough for an average ruler to retain power.