<P> Beginning in 1969, a Supreme Court case in Chicago, Michael L. Shakman v. Democratic Organization of Cook County, occurred involving political patronage and its constitutionality . Shakman claimed that much of the patronage going on in Chicago politics was unlawful on the grounds of the first and fourteenth amendments . Through a series of legal battle and negotiations, the two parties agreed upon The Shakman Decrees . Under these decrees it was declared that the employment status of most public employees could not be affected positively or negatively based on political allegiance, with exceptions for politically inclined positions . The case is still in negotiation today, as there are points yet to be decided . </P> <P> Political patronage is not always considered corrupt . In the United States, the U.S. Constitution provides the president with the power to appoint individuals to government positions . He or she also may appoint personal advisers without congressional approval . Not surprisingly, these individuals tend to be supporters of the president . Similarly, at the state and local levels, governors and mayors retain appointments powers . Some scholars have argued that patronage may be used for laudable purposes, such as the "recognition" of minority communities through the appointment of their members to a high - profile positions . Bearfield has argued that patronage be used for four general purposes: create or strengthen a political organization; achieve democratic or egalitarian goals; bridge political divisions and create coalitions; and to alter the existing patronage system . </P> <P> Boliburguesía is a term that was coined by journalist Juan Carlos Zapata in order to "define the oligarchy that has developed under the protection of the Chavez government". During Hugo Chávez's tenure, he seized thousands of properties and businesses while also reducing the footprint of foreign companies . Venezuela's economy was then largely state - run and was operated by military officers that had their business and government affairs connected . Senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Harold Trinkunas, stated that involving the military in business was "a danger", with Trinkunas explaining that the Venezuelan military "has the greatest ability to coerce people, into business like they have". According to Bloomberg Business, "(b) y showering contracts on former military officials and pro-government business executives, Chavez put a new face on the system of patronage". </P> <P> There are historical examples where the noble classes financed scientific pursuits . </P>

Which of the following was the most important source of patronage for renaissance artists