Question

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

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.
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.
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.
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.

Answer 1

The fourth sentence. It correctly lists Machiavelli’s three options (destruction, occupation, or establishing an oligarchy) and notes that he favors destruction or occupation.