Question

What argument did Henry Clay give for raising tariffs as part of this American System?

A. Tariffs should be lower in the North to protect the South
B. Higher tariffs would protect southern planters from Britain's cotton imports
C. Higher tariffs would ultimately ensure that income taxes would remain low
D. All regions of the country would ultimately be helped by the higher tariffs

Answer 1

Hello there.

What argument did Henry Clay give for raising tariffs as part of this American System?

C. Higher tariffs would ultimately ensure that income taxes would remain low

Answer 2

The American System was an economic plan that played a prominent role in American policy during the first half of the 19th century. Rooted in the "American School" ideas of Alexander Hamilton, the plan "consisted of three mutually reinforcing parts: a tariff to protect and promote American industry; a national bank to foster commerce; and federal subsidies for roads, canals, and other 'internal improvements' to develop profitable markets for agriculture".[attribution needed][1] Congressman Henry Clay was the plan's foremost proponent and the first to refer to it as the "American System".
The answer is: C