the Counter-Reformation inspired the formation of new Catholic religious groups, known as the Jesuits.

The Jesuits helped carry out two major objectives of the Counter-Reformation: Catholic education and missionary work. The Jesuits established numerous schools and universities throughout Europe, helping to maintain the relevance of the Catholic church in increasingly secular and Protestant societies.

It was the people who were in charge of electing officials who technically controlled the elected assemblies in southern colonies, since these were the people whose interests the delegates were looking out for.