Chapter 1 Summary

There are two types of government, the state and the dominion. The dominion can be broken down into two types, those that are newly acquired and those that are inherited.

New dominions can be broken down into two smaller categories, based on their former style of government. Either the people are accustomed to living under a dominion or they aren't. The rulers of new dominions are also categorized. They either gained their new territory by fortune or ability.

Chapter 1 Analysis

Chapter 1 begins with a summary of how people hold power over groups of people. He starts with some definitions of how power is acquired. This sets the scene for the discussion ahead. Lorenzo now knows that Machiavelli is going to speak about the way people gain political and personal power. Lorenzo can stop wondering what Machiavelli's book is all about.

Two very important...