The instability of post-independence governments in South America was primarily exacerbated by A) economic inequality.
Economic disparities often led to social unrest and political instability, as wealth and resources were concentrated in the hands of a small elite while the majority of the population remained impoverished. This situation fueled discontent and made it difficult for governments to maintain stability and support from the populace. Other factors like ethnic diversity and scarcity of resources also played roles in some countries but were not as universally influential as economic inequality in contributing to the overall instability in the region during that period.