Which term describes an exaggerated concern for local or regional interests over national interests?

• A. Rule
• B. Senate
• C. Sectionalism
• D. Secondary sources

Answer: (C)

Sectionalism is an exaggerated concern for local or regional interests over national interests. This mindset means people push for policies that primarily benefit their own region, even if those choices aren’t best for the country as a whole. In U.S. history, sectionalism showed up in disputes over tariffs, slavery, and states’ rights, as Northern, Southern, and Western regions pursued advantages for their economies and social systems. The term fits this situation precisely because it describes prioritizing a region’s needs above the nation’s interests. Other terms describe different ideas—one is a rule or guideline, another is a legislative body, and another is a type of source—so they don’t capture the regional prioritization described here.