One of the main points of dispute between the Republican and Democratic parties after the Civil War was A. the degree of punishment for the South. B. policy toward Great Britain. C. high tariffs versus anti-protectionism. D. states' rights versus nationalism.

Following the Civil War, one of the main points of contention between the Republican and Democratic parties revolved around how severely the South should be punished for its rebellion. Republicans, particularly the Radical faction, pushed for stringent measures to restructure Southern society and protect the rights of newly freed African Americans, while Democrats often advocated for a more lenient approach, emphasizing reconciliation and rapid restoration of Southern states to the Union. Additionally, the debate over states' rights and nationalism became increasingly relevant, as Republicans sought to establish a powerful central government to enforce laws like the Reconstruction Amendments. Democrats, on the other hand, typically favored the idea that states should retain more authority, reflecting a tension over the balance of power in the nation. This debate shaped much of the political landscape in the post-war era.