Correct Answer: C
Explanation:
The words filling the blank must be consistent with the idea that the ruling party needs to “shore up” its standing with the electorate. In their own way, Choices A, C, D, and F are consistent with that idea, but only two of these when taken together — “restive” and “skittish” — produce sentences that are alike in meaning. “Aloof” fits the blank reasonably well, but there is no other word offered that is nearly alike in meaning. The same holds for “vociferous.” “Placid” and “tranquil” are similar in meaning but do not fit the context of the sentence.