Which statement best summarizes the central idea of
this excerpt?
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
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.