Analysis of Blank (i)
The sentence starts by stating that Keane argues the political conditions were "(i) ________ " to the formation of a united nation and the Constitution.

The key contrast is established later: "Rather, had it not been for a few men... to (ii) ________ the

Constitution..." This suggests that the few men acted to overcome the conditions. If the conditions required heroic efforts to overcome, they must have been negative or hostile toward unity.
- A. permissive: Granting permission; liberal. (Incorrect)
- B. conducive: Making a certain situation or outcome likely or possible; favorable. (Incorrect, as it contradicts the need for a few men to save it).
- C. inimical: Tending to obstruct or harm; hostile. This is a strong fit, implying the conditions were actively harmful or unfavorable to the Constitution's creation.

The best fit for (i) is inimical.

Analysis of Blank (ii)
The sentence says a few men were needed to "(ii) ________ the Constitution, despite the seemingly implacable opposition of anti-Federalists."

Since there was opposition, the men needed to support or defend the Constitution to ensure its survival.
- D. challenge: To dispute or contest. (Incorrect, as they were supporting it against opposition).
- E. champion: To support the cause of; defend. This is a perfect fit, meaning they advocated for and defended the Constitution.
- F. undermine: To subvert or weaken. (Incorrect)

The best fit for (ii) is champion.

Analysis of Blank (iii)
The final clause describes the consequence if these few men had not championed the Constitution: "...the central government would have had to (iii) ________ matters of rule to the individual states."

If there was no unifying document (the Constitution) and no strong central government, the power over rules would have been transferred or relinquished to the states.
- G. cede: To give up (power or territory). This is a perfect fit, meaning the central government would have been forced to give up ruling power to the states.
- H. reintroduce: To bring back a past system or idea. This doesn't capture the relinquishing of power.
- I. deny: To refuse to grant or refuse to recognize. (Incorrect)

The best fit for (iii) is cede.

Final Solution

The completed sentence is:
Keane argues that the political conditions during the early years of the United States were, if anything, inimical (i) to the formation of a nation united by one document: the Constitution. Rather, had it not been for a few men-Keane invokes the triumvirate of Jefferson, Hamilton, and Madison-to champion (ii) the Constitution, despite the seemingly implacable opposition of antiFederalists, the central government would have had to cede (iii) matters of rule to the individual states