Which minority wielded the greatest political power in its reign in the period before the civil war?

Before the Civil War, the Southern slaveholding elite wielded the greatest political power in the United States. This minority, comprising wealthy plantation owners who relied on enslaved labor, exerted significant influence over national policies, including the defense of slavery and states' rights. Their power was bolstered by economic interests and political representation, as they controlled a substantial number of congressional seats and held key positions in government. This dominance ultimately contributed to the tensions that led to the Civil War.