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.
TIME REM
44:2
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.