Answer: B. Control of land translates into increased political power
A latifundium is a large estate popular in ancient Rome and adopted more recently in Spain and Latin America, run typically by slave laborers and peasants. During the colonial and post-colonial eras, the latifundium-based system was very popular as a result of its high profitability. As a result of this, several merchants and elites in Latin America made it a priority to acquire many latifundia and this in turn led to increased political power for latifundia owners.
This system became very popular that European Monarchies were rewarded with latifundia with extensive grants. In the long run, the latifundia system grew to be extra lucrative for the owners of these settlements and this led to heightened political dominance among these merchants. In summary, the latifundia system resulted in increased productivity, increased political power, and at the same time, an obstacle to the development of Latin America.