In terms of political power, african americans in the south during reconstruction
a. made great gains by winning political office throughout the north.
b. decided not to participate in government because they felt it wouldn't make a difference.
c. weren't allowed to vote and didn't do well politically.
d. made great gains by winning political office throughout the south.

Weren't allowed to vote and didn't do well politically as their efforts were hampered because they were still not economically free. Many African Americans were still working at their old plantations as they could not just leave and venture out because it was after all the south and everyone was still racist. This meant only a few could even think about voting let alone running for political office.