Book One, The Development of Rome's Constitution, Sundry Reflections on the Kings of Rome, The Introduction of New Forms of Government, Ingratitude Summary and Analysis

Sections 19-24 contain reflections on the Kings of Rome relevant to political theory and practice. Weak princes who follow good princes can rule well, but weak princes who follow other weak princes cannot preserve order. Machiavelli illustrates with examples. A good prince who follows another can achieve great things.

This is particularly true in well-governed republics whose institutions produce good succession. Rome's elective system is a good example. Princes and republics that lack their own armies were hated and are pathetic. A prince should never risk all of one's fortunes on anything but the entirety of the regime's armed...