Question

the chart shows the 112th u.s. congress (2011–2012).
senate house
democrats 53 200
republicans 45 233
independents 2 0
based on the information in the chart, if the independents in the senate chose to vote with the republicans in the senate, the republicans would
be able to pursue their legislative agenda.
lack sufficient votes to pass a law.
be force to agree with a different agenda.
acquire additional power to pass a law.

Explanation:

1. First, find the total number of senators when Independents vote with Republicans: Republicans in Senate are 45, Independents are 2, so total for Republican - aligned is \( 45 + 2=47 \). Democrats in Senate are 53.
2. In the U.S. Senate, to pass most legislation, a majority (51 votes, typically) is needed. Since \( 47<53 \), Republicans (with Independent votes) still don't have enough votes to pass a law.
3. Analyze the options:

• "be able to pursue their legislative agenda" is wrong as 47 < 51 (majority needed).
• "lack sufficient votes to pass a law" is correct as 47 is less than 51.
• "be force to agree with a different agenda" is wrong as the vote count shows they don't have enough, not that they are forced.
• "acquire additional power to pass a law" is wrong as their total (47) is still less than Democratic count (53) and below majority.

Answer:

B. lack sufficient votes to pass a law.