Final answer:
Only peninsulares, Spaniards born in Spain, could hold the highest governmental positions and clerical offices in Latin American society, leading to a rigidly stratified social caste system with peninsulares at the top.
Step-by-step explanation:
The positions that only peninsulares could hold in Latin American society were the most important offices in government administration and the highest clerical offices. These peninsulas were Spaniards born in Spain and were appointed to nearly all high-ranking administrative positions in the colonial government. They also occupied significant roles within the church hierarchy, such as archbishops and bishops.
In contrast, creoles, who were Spaniards born in the colonies, despite often being wealthy and holding substantial economic power, were barred from these top offices, which led to social tension and ultimately contributed to the drive for independence in Latin America. The social caste system in Latin America during Spanish rule was heavily stratified, with peninsular at the apex due to their place of birth and presumed superiority of Spanish heritage.