Question

the chart shows the 112th u.s. congress (2011–2012).
senate\thouse
democrats\t53\t200
republicans\t45\t233
independents\t2\t0
based on the information in the chart, if the independents in the senate chose to vote with the republicans in the senate, the republicans would
be able to pursue their legislative agenda.
lack sufficient votes to pass a law.
be force to agree with a different agenda.
acquire additional power to pass a law.

Explanation:

First, we calculate the total number of senators when Independents vote with Republicans. The number of Republicans in the Senate is 45, and Independents are 2, so total for their group is 45 + 2 = 47. The number of Democrats is 53. In the U.S. Senate, to pass a law (except for some special cases), a majority (usually 51 votes) is needed. Since 47 < 53, Republicans (with Independents) still lack sufficient votes to pass a law.

Answer:

lack sufficient votes to pass a law.