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Machiavelli The Prince Summary Chapter 4

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In chapter one, Machiavelli talks about republics and principalities. Principalities are either hereditary or are new. In chapter two, he mentions how principalities are to be ruled and preserved. It is easier to maintain new principalities because a prince who becomes a prince through family history would rule like his family did in the past. The hereditary prince has easier time gaining the love of his subjects than a new prince because the people already know how his family has ruled in the past. The only way that a hereditary prince would be hated is if he is not a good prince or does not rule in favor of the people. Chapter three is about mixed principalities. New territories face difficulties because they are expected to be better than …show more content…

He believes that it is necessary for new princes to set up new methods of government. This change will come with conflict but will also come with supporters. But the only way to establish a new system is by using force. Machiavelli says that there are concerns with new principalities acquired with the arms and fortunes of others. He focuses on private citizens who get principalities through fortune. They make no effort gaining power but face many problems saving it. The only way a new prince would survive is with a loyal army. An example of a good prince is the Duke of Milan. A private citizen may become a prince by two ways. One way is through evil means and the other is through election by the people. An example of a ruler through evil means is Oliverotto da Fermo, who killed his uncle in order to take power. Another way that a private citizen may become a prince is through support of his residents. There are three forms of governments, Principality, liberty, and license. A principality government rules by ranks. A prince must always have the support of his people. A way to judge the strength of a prince is to determine whether he has to look for outside help or can use the strengths of his own army.. Machiavelli has concerns of the ecclesiastical principalities, which is the church. An ecclesiastical prince’s power is rooted within the tradition of his religion. Pope Alexander created the power of the papacy.

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