As a rule of thumb, it's best to look before you leap. as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
4. in the context of this passage, the phrase a rule of thumb is best understood to mean a
a. rule that usually works.
b. rule for an emergency.
c. rule to be avoided.
d. smart way to use your thumb

abraham lincoln, according to anyone who was connected with agriculture, represented the worst of northern politicians. shortly after lincoln was elected, south carolina seceded from the union. they along with other southern states, retained their anger. in a way, it was their own fault: the democrats were split in the south. some wanted slavery to be extended in other states that were about to join the union and some didn't want it badly enough. lincoln had a solid backing from his party: the republicans were united in not wanting slavery to be expanded.

i think it would be a