<em>Machiavelli's active role in the politics of his time .</em> This is the correct option.
Machiavelli in 1498 was appointed by the Florence government as a member of different departments. First, he worked for the chancery and then, he worked for a council responsible for the diplomatic relationships among states. He did all these activities during a period of social conflicts and when Florence was a new republic.
These options are not right.
-His study of rhetoric and the art of persuasion. ( This could have given him the means but not the experience of political life).
-His admiration of Lorenzo de Medici and his teachings. ( The Medici sent him to prison).
-His admiration of the Church's role in politics. ( He did not admire the Church; he was critical about the influnce the Church had on<em> citizens</em>).
