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Without looking at any answer choices yet, scan the passage and determine which of the blanks has the more obvious clue. Because the second clause makes it clear that something bad is going on—an undue infringement, the first blank is easier to work with. The first blank is describing the states’ reaction to [f]ederal…standards on education achievements. The sentence gives further insight into this by stating that local governments consider this an…infringement. The semicolon is a transition indicating agreement between the clauses. So, the word in the first blank describing the states’ reaction will be something like “resistance.” Now check the answer choices against “resistance.” Choice (A) is the opposite of this, receptivity. Eliminate (A). If you don’t know what intransigence means, then put a question mark next to (B). Choice (C), however, compromise, is not a match for “resistance.” Even if you don’t know what intransigence means, select (B) as it is the only non-eliminated answer. Now, work with the second blank.

The second blank describes something that local governments feel is negatively impacted by government imposition. The sentence provides insight into this by stating that [f]ederal ef orts to regulate standards on education achievements have not been well-received by the states.
A word or phrase for the second blank, then, could be a descriptive phrase like “freedom from intervention by the federal government,” which you might simplify to “the right to govern themselves.” Now check the answer choices. Choice (D), autonomy, means independence or self-government. This is a good match, so keep (D). Choice (E), legislation, is close but too neutral and broad given the clue. Eliminate (E). Choice (F), comportment, means demeanor or the way one carries oneself, so eliminate it. The correct answer is intransigence and autonomy.