Which of the following statements most accurately characterizes the American political system before the 1820s?

• It was democratic.
• Local notables dominated it by managing local elections through devices such as loaning money and treating workers or tenants to drinks.
• Political parties, although not mentioned in the U.S. Constitution, were legalized and regulated by the provisions of most state constitutions.
• Pressure to make politics more responsive to popular interests arose first in New England and New York State. 

ANSWER: Local notables dominated it by managing local elections through devices such as loaning money and treating workers or tenants to drinks.