Which of the following best describes a major cause of sectional tensions between the North and the South in the early to mid 1800 s? If the federal government should fund the construction of railroads Whether the Bank of the United States should have its charter renewed If Native Americans should be allowed to keep their lands in the East Whether slavery could expand westward into new states and territories

## Step 1<br />The question is asking us to identify the primary cause of sectional tensions between the North and the South in the early to mid-1800s. The options provided are:<br />- If the federal government should fund the construction of railroads<br />- Whether the Bank of the United States should have its charter renewed<br />- If Native Americans should be allowed to keep their lands in the East<br />- Whether slavery could expand westward into new states and territories<br /><br />## Step 2<br />We need to evaluate each option in relation to the known historical context of the time period. <br /><br />## Step 3<br />The first option, "If the federal government should fund the construction of railroads", while a significant issue, was not the primary cause of sectional tensions.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The second option, "Whether the Bank of the United States should have its charter renewed", was a major political issue, but it was not the main cause of sectional tensions.<br /><br />## Step 5<br />The third option, "If Native Americans should be allowed to keep their lands in the East", was a significant issue, but it was not the primary cause of sectional tensions.<br /><br />## Step 6<br />The fourth option, "Whether slavery could expand westward into new states and territories", was the primary cause of sectional tensions. This issue was central to the political and social debates of the time, and it was the main cause of the American Civil War.