All of the following are characteristics of drug cartels except . A.
they often use murder and violence to get what they want
B.
they control the trade of illegal drugs in a region
C.
they are extremely organized
D.
they are always small groups composed of just a few people

D. They are always small groups composed of just a few people.

Explanation: Drug cartels are never composed of a few people. There is always a chain with a few people at the top of that chain.

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."

are there any options?