some similarities between the southeast and northeast region of the united states

One obvious similarity between both the Northeast and the Southeast is the Atlantic ports for international trade. Both areas contain parts of the Appalachian Trail. Both areas have mountains. They each have their own mannerisms and cultures. Interstate 95 traverses both the Northeast and the Southeast. Both do farming but in different quantities. Both have severe weather patterns with the Northeast being hit by both hurricanes and storms called Nor'easters. The Southeast it often hit by hurricanes. Winter storms are hardly Both suffered great losses from the Civil War and are very proud of their military heritage.

The answer is society was a caste like system with poor whites at the bottom of the white social ladder.

You could solve them by trying something new that everyone can agree on or make a decision too.