Which minority wielded greatest political power in its region in the period before the civil war?
a) farmers in the northeast
b) planters in the south
c) laborers in the industrial cities
d) ship owners in new england

The correct option is B.
In the period before the civil war in the America, the social and political leadership of the south was controlled by the planters, even though they make up only about 2% of the south population. Those in the planter class usually have a large number or slaves and lands, their kids are are always more educated and are not allowed to participate on plantation jobs. They are the richest in the region.