c) Massachusetts
Massachusetts was the first American state to establish a public school system, a testament to its historical commitment to education. Dating back to the Massachusetts Education Law of 1647, often referred to as the Old Deluder Satan Act, the law mandated towns to support public schools. This pioneering legislation laid the foundation for the American public education system, emphasizing the importance of literacy and learning for all citizens. Massachusetts’ early investment in education set a precedent for other states and was crucial in fostering a culture of education and enlightenment that would become a hallmark of American society.