An annexed state is a territory which has been conquered and added to an already-existing principality. One of the key recommendations that Machiavelli makes in order to successfully hold an annexed state is for the prince to live there.

Auxiliary soldiers are troops who are called in to aid and defend a principality to which they do not belong. Typically, these are soldiers that a prince borrows from another ruler. They differ from mercenary troops in that they are united, more competent, and yield obedience to another ruler. Machiavelli warns strongly against their use because doing so puts a prince in the power of another ruler.

A civil principality is one in which a private citizen rises to prince through the favor of his fellow citizens. One can become prince through the favor of the people or the favor of the nobles, the two competing classes present in every city.