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. Which statement best summarizes the central idea of the paragraph? A prince can hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom only by first ruining it, then moving there and establishing an oligarchy that is loyal to him. There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it, live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him—and the third way is easiest. A prince can hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom only by first ruining it, then moving there and winning the citizens’ loyalty by granting them freedom. There are three ways for a prince to hold a newly acquired state that is accustomed to freedom: ruin it, live there, or create an oligarchy that is loyal to him, all of which are equally effective.