Around Florence, the Medici were known as "God’s banker." How did this reputation help them gain and hold onto political power?

The reputation help them to gain political power because they were very rich and also relationships with the Catholic Church which help them in politics.

Explanation:

Medici were known as "God’s banker" because their whole family was bankers and they had a strong relationship with the Catholic Church which give them fame in the society and this reputation help them to gain power in politics. They were very rich so they can also use money in politics.

assuming that by westerners you mean americans. that they were mean and controlling and abusive to its peasants.

explanation:

yes

explanation:

why