The term refers to the political landscape and activities that took place in the southern states of the United States. It encompasses the ideologies, power dynamics, and decision-making processes within this region.
Related terms
Sectionalism: Strong loyalty and focus on one's own region rather than on the nation as a whole.
Nullification Crisis: A conflict between South Carolina and the federal government over states' rights to nullify or reject federal laws they deemed unconstitutional.
States' Rights: The belief that individual states have certain powers and rights separate from those granted to the federal government.