Which of the following colonies was primarily based on the plantation system and slavery?

The primary reason Maryland is recognized as a colony that was based on the plantation system and slavery is rooted in its agricultural economy and the demographic practices that developed in the region. Established in the early 17th century, Maryland's economy heavily relied on the cultivation of tobacco, which was labor-intensive and necessitated a large workforce. To meet this demand, Maryland's plantation owners increasingly turned to enslaved Africans, integrating slavery into the colony's economic structure.

This system of agriculture not only defined Maryland’s economy but also shaped its social and political dynamics. The labor of enslaved people was central to the prosperity of plantations in Maryland, creating a social hierarchy that favored wealthy landowners and perpetuated the institution of slavery. Over time, this reliance on plantation agriculture and enslaved labor influenced Maryland's development and deeply embedded the practice of slavery into its society and culture.

In contrast, the other colonies mentioned had different economic systems and social structures that did not rely as heavily on the plantation model or slavery. Therefore, Maryland stands out in this context as the colony most closely associated with the plantation system and the use of enslaved labor.