Final answer:
The term 'venal' in the context of the sentence means 'corrupt.' The venal politician in the sentence engaged in corrupt practices like bribery and favoritism, which is option 1) Corrupt.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'venal' means 'corrupt' or willing to accept money or favors in exchange for doing something dishonest. In the context given, where a politician preyed upon his constituents, option 1) Corrupt is the correct definition. Throughout history, there have been numerous instances of political corruption, involving systems like the patronage or spoils system and political machines like Tammany Hall. Politicians like Boss Tweed engaged in practices of bribery and exchanged favors for votes or financial support. The spoils system also involved awarding government jobs and contracts in return for political contributions, further establishing a culture of corruption within political environments.