Question

in this excerpt, the word \balked\ most closely means
a served.
b objected.
c placed.
d viewed.
to help move everything smoothly, hamilton proposed that the governments support the growth of canals and roads to provide ways to transport goods.
again, southerners balked.

Explanation:

The context shows Hamilton proposed something and southerners had a negative - reaction. "Balked" means to stop or hesitate because of fear or reluctance, which is similar to "objected".

Answer:

B. objected