7. the author says, "the other big change is how
powerful the government has become." you can
reasonably infer that with "powerful," she is
referring to an increase in
a gold reserves
b military strength
c responsibilities and functions
d the number of federal judges

c Responsibilities and functions.

Explanation:

It is obvious it refers to the overall regulating powers of the government. Option D would be an illogical answer.

c. responsibilities and functions

Explanation:

The most likely answer in this case would be an increase in the responsibilities and functions of the government. More gold reserves do not have any impact on the government. Neither do the number of federal judges. While military strength can indicate a powerful government, this is not always the case, and it is more common when thinking vis-a-vis a foreign country. However, a government that has expanded responsibilities and functions is always a government that has gained more power over its territory.

the answer is choice (b)