The correct answer is
D) settling conflicts associated with the settlement of western lands
(The issue over the western lands was solved under the Articles.)
Definition of a Geographic Pattern: A geographic pattern is a term used as a general descriptor for lesions in which large areas of one colour, histologic pattern or radiologic density. Variably scalloped borders sharply interface with another pattern, colour or density, creating something like a national boundary and/or coastline.
Example: An example of a geographic pattern can be applied to nearly everything on Earth. Animals and plant species, disease infections, weather patterns, and man-made structures are an example of this.
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