Final answer:
The South is unique due to its historical reliance on agriculture and slavery, which shaped its social and political culture. The defense of slavery by intellectuals, such as Dew and Fitzhugh, with pseudo-moral and civilizational justifications, further illustrates its distinct social-political landscape.
Step-by-step explanation:
The social and political aspects of the South contribute significantly to its uniqueness. Historically, the South developed a distinct culture partly because of its robust agricultural economy, which differed notably from the industrialized North. Slavery played a crucial role in shaping the region, with the Deep South being more entrenched in this institution than the Upper South or the border states.
A small White elite holding the majority of slaves influenced the social life of all White southerners, where concepts of honor and domination over others were prevalent values. This dynamic also fostered a sense of unity among whites, regardless of their class.
Politically, the South fostered unique ideas about government and society. A key aspect was the defense of slavery, both as an economic system and as a perceived moral good. Figures like Thomas R. Dew and George Fitzhugh constructed ideologies that rationalized slavery on the basis of civilization and racial hierarchy, suggesting that it brought about more liberty and equality for whites and was beneficial even for the enslaved.