Scalawags, a term used to describe white Southern Republicans who supported Reconstruction and the Republican Party after the Civil War, played a significant role in changing government in the South. Among the options provided, the most relevant way scalawags changed government in the South is:
They brought Republican ideas to southern politics.
Scalawags were often motivated by a desire for economic improvement, political power, and support for civil rights, which aligned them with the Republican agenda. They participated in the establishment of new state governments during Reconstruction, promoted progressive policies, and helped to implement reforms, including civil rights legislation and public education initiatives. Their influence was significant in reshaping the political landscape in the post-war South.