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Problem 14 - Entrance Test

A landmark Supreme Court decision affirmed the principle of equal protection under the law, _______ prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, or national origin, _______ strengthening the foundation of civil rights in the United States.

Correct: A

The correct answer is 'categorically; thereby'. 'Categorically' is an adverb and correctly modifies prohibiting. 'Thereby' correctly connects this action to strengthening the foundation of rights. Using an adjective like 'categorical' is grammatically incorrect. While 'thus' is also correct in meaning, 'thereby' more directly highlights the consequence.