The document summarizes Machiavelli's views on principalities and rulership as discussed in his work The Prince. It outlines that new principalities are difficult to acquire and maintain as the people are not used to the new ruler. Hereditary principalities are easier to govern as traditions keep them stable. It also notes that a ruler's strength depends on whether they can defend themselves or rely on others, and that choosing good ministers is important. Overall, the document provides an overview of Machiavelli's philosophy on obtaining and maintaining political power as a prince or ruler.

1. The PrinceNiccolò Machiavelli

2. Principalities: Inherited or NewNew principalities are either used to being ruled by a prince or are used to being free. They are acquired by luck or by strength.Hereditary principalities are ruled by the princes family and are easy to maintain as the tradition keeps them going and the prince is in a stable position. New principalities cause trouble to the prince as the people always try to change the ruler. If the new territories have a different language and customs then they are even harder to keep. The best way is to go there and live to establish colonies in them.

3. All principalities are governed either by a single ruler assisted by his appointed ministers or by a ruler and the hereditary nobles who hold power in their own right and have the loyalty of their subjects. The difficulty a new prince faces depends on his ability. Private citizens become princes through luck or ability. Establishing new states is always difficult as people happy under the old order will resist change and will not support new things.

4. Citizens who become princes through luck may find it easy to acquire new states but find it difficult to keep them as they are not used to being in power and do not have their own armies. The two other ways to become a prince are:By criminal means

5. When private citizens choose a ruler from their fellow citizens A prince should live with his subjects in such a way that no good or bad situation can force him to change his conduct.

6. Regardless of how a prince comes to power, he should make every effort to win the good will of the people, or in times of trouble, he will have no hope. A wise ruler will contrive to keep all his citizens dependent on him and on the state, and then he will be able to trust them. A states strength can also be determined by whether the prince can defend himself or he has to rely on the help of others. Princes must lay good foundation i.e. good laws and good army.

7. Auxiliaries are troops sent by another ruler to help you. If they lose, you are ruined, and if they win, you are in their power. Auxiliaries is a united body trained to obey others. Studying about war should be a princes main goal. One can’t expect an armed man to obey an unarmed one. Therefore a prince who does not understand military matters will not be able to work well with his soldiers. Reputation for generosity may be desirable but developing it can be dangerous.

8. A price shouldn’t mind being called cruel in order to keep his subjects loyal. People love at their own wish, but fear at the prince's will, so a wise ruler will rely on what he can best control. A prince should avoid being hated. Taking property or woman of his subjects will make him unpopular. The best defense against internal threats such as conspiracy is to be neither hated nor despised.A prince should show that he loves talent and rewards it. He should keep the people entertained with festivals at appropriate times and he should give attention to the various civic groups, attending some of their activities, but without appearing undignified.

9. Princes should always find noteworthy ways to reward or punish any extraordinary actions. Choosing good ministers is vital, because a ruler shows his intelligence in his choice of the men around him. Many people believe that fortune controls everything, so that there is no use in trying to act, but fortune controls only half of one's actions, leaving free will to control the other half.It is better to be bold than timid and cautious, because fortune is a woman, and the man who wants to control her must treat her roughly.