Final answer:
The section of the country that preferred low protective tariffs is the South, as their economy was reliant on trade and they needed to import manufactured goods at lower costs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct section of the country that preferred low protective tariffs is C) South. This preference stems from the economic interests prevalent during the historic era when tariffs were a subject of intense debate. The Southern states were heavily reliant on trade, particularly in agricultural exports, and aimed to buy imported manufactured goods at lower prices. Protective tariffs would raise the cost of these goods, which did not favor the Southern economy. On the other hand, the Northeast, with its expanding manufacturing base, favored protective tariffs to limit foreign competition and bolster domestic industry.