The Nobles are the backbone of society, to get elected there is either through bloodline or work hard enough to become rich. There’s at least two nobles per city, with Ponyville’s representative being Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich, formerly Spoiled Milk. The Noble’s mainly handle economic affairs and development in Equestria. They’re the ones who have developed technology, such as trains and the stoves. They also have a lead head for the nobles, some guy named Prince Blueblood. Fitting.