Question

Who had most of the political power in Massachusetts?


Average, relatively poor farmers


The wealthy elite--merchants, bankers, located in Boston

Answer 1

In Massachusetts, particularly in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, most of the political power was concentrated in the hands of the wealthy elite, which included merchants, bankers, and landowners, primarily located in urban centers like Boston. This group held significant influence over political decisions, economic policies, and social structures in the region. The average, relatively poor farmers had much less political power during this period, although they sometimes sought to assert their interests through movements like Shays' Rebellion in the 1780s, which highlighted the tensions between different social classes.