Final answer:
The correct answer is option d. The belief that led most states to require property ownership for voting or holding political office was that only property owners would possess the necessary independence to make wise political choices.
Step-by-step explanation:
The belief that led most states to require a certain level of property ownership in order to qualify for voting or holding political office was D - Only property owners would possess the necessary independence to make wise political choices.
According to political theory, property ownership was seen as an indication of virtue and a stake in society. Those who owned property were considered to have more wisdom and independence to make political decisions for the benefit of the republic. Non-property owners were viewed as having less of a stake and were therefore limited in their political rights.