Question

For all practical purposes, only _____ were able to hold public office, since these positions did not pay a salary.

Answer 1

The correct answer is wealthy or rich.

In America during the Articles of Confederation, many public officials did not get paid. This is because the federal government lacked the ability to collect taxes from states. Without any new sources of revenue, the individuals running for public office had to be people who were willing to work without a guaranteed salary. Only the most wealthy citizens were able to do this, as a majority of Americans would not survive without some sort of compensation.