Question

How did the proprietor system benefit both the ruler and the proprietor?

The ruler earned money and the proprietor got land without having to pay for it.

The ruler could put people he trusted in charge of land in the Americas, and the
proprietors were free of government control.

The proprietor could rely on the ruler to ensure the colony had enough settlers
and money to succeed.

Answer 1

"The ruler could put people he trusted in charge of land in the Americas, and the proprietors were free of government control." — This is correct.

Why: Monarchs used proprietary grants to reward and control supporters at a distance, delegating colonial administration and the costs of settlement. Proprietors received large tracts of land and broad authority to govern them with considerable independence (appoint officials, make local laws), while the crown avoided direct expense and secured loyal agents overseas.

Why the others are wrong:
- Ruler earned money/proprietor got land free: not generally accurate — proprietors often paid fees or owed quitrents and the crown didn’t always gain direct revenue.
- Proprietor could rely on ruler to supply settlers and money: also false — proprietors were expected to recruit settlers and finance much of the colony’s development themselves.