What was the American System proposed by Henry Clay aimed to achieve?

The American System proposed by Henry Clay was aimed at achieving economic measures that would protect and promote American interests. This comprehensive plan involved three main components: implementing a protective tariff to support budding American industries, establishing a national bank to foster trade and stabilize the currency, and developing a system of internal improvements, such as roads and canals, to facilitate transportation and commerce across the nation. Clay believed that these strategies would unify the country economically and promote self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on foreign goods and services.

The other options, while they may seem relevant in some contexts, do not accurately reflect the primary goals of the American System. Strengthening military power was not a focus of Clay's proposal, nor was establishing new colonies or promoting immigration central to his economic vision. Instead, Clay's American System was distinctly focused on fortifying the American economy and ensuring its growth through strategic infrastructure and protective policies.