Which colony's governance was characterized by a framework that allowed for a representative assembly elected by landowners?

The correct answer is associated with Pennsylvania, a colony founded by William Penn as a proprietary colony, which emphasized democratic principles and religious freedom. Its governance was notable for its establishment of a representative assembly, where landowners could elect their representatives, showcasing a crucial step towards self-governance and the development of a more democratic political structure in colonial America.

This approach was influential as it not only allowed for local decision-making but also fostered a sense of civic participation among landowners. Penn envisioned an orderly society governed through laws made with the consent of the governed, which was a progressive idea for that period. Consequently, the political framework in Pennsylvania served as a model for later democratic practices in the United States.

In contrast, while colonies like Maryland, Virginia, and Massachusetts also had some elements of representative governance, their political structures and the extent of participation were different. For instance, Virginia's House of Burgesses was indeed a significant representative body, but it was more limited in who could participate compared to the broader electoral framework in Pennsylvania.