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.