For all practical purposes, only were able to hold public office, since these positions did not pay a salary.

The correct answer is wealthy or rich.

In America during the Articles of Confederation, many public officials did not get paid. This is because the federal government lacked the ability to collect taxes from states. Without any new sources of revenue, the individuals running for public office had to be people who were willing to work without a guaranteed salary. Only the most wealthy citizens were able to do this, as a majority of Americans would not survive without some sort of compensation.

most people such as me i dont have one but if   i did i would mostly likely quit my job if the economy was down cylcling that means less money if you go to a bigger job that is prospering you can earn more wage and still be able to feed yourself or why you work all people want more money then they have guarteed most people like me would switch jobs for a better one with higher wage