In colonial families, who primarily dominated the political sphere due to landownership and English law?

The correct answer is C, as men primarily dominated the political sphere in colonial families due to factors such as landownership and English law. In the context of colonial society, landownership was a significant determinant of social status and political power. Men, who typically held property rights under English law, were encouraged to participate in governance and decision-making processes, thereby reinforcing male authority in both the public and private realms.

Moreover, the legal framework of the time largely excluded women, children, and servants from exercising political rights. Women, although involved in various aspects of family and community life, had limited access to property and political engagement. Children, being dependent on their parents, had no legal standing or rights in matters of governance. Additionally, servants, who were often bound by contract or indenture, lacked the autonomy to participate in political affairs, further consolidating men's dominance in the political landscape of colonial America.

This societal structure underscores the significant influence of landownership on political power dynamics and highlights the prevailing views on gender roles and class distinctions during the colonial period.