Final answer:
Men from the gentry were able to hold public office since these positions did not pay a salary. The correct option is (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
For all practical purposes, only men from the gentry were able to hold public office, since these positions did not pay a salary.
Men from the gentry refers to the upper class, wealthy individuals who owned land and had significant social and political influence. They were able to afford holding public office without the need for a salary.