Meaning: 'Portion' means a part or share of something larger, in this case, referring to a segment of civilized mankind.

Wrong options:

• ponder: 'Ponder' is a verb meaning to think about something carefully, which does not fit the context of describing a part of mankind.
• plead: 'Plead' is also a verb, meaning to make an emotional appeal, and does not relate to the concept of a part of mankind.
• pasted: 'Pasted' is the past tense of 'paste,' which means to attach something, and is irrelevant in this context.

Correct answer: influence

Explanation: The word 'influence' fits well as it refers to the power to affect or change something, which is appropriate in the context of laws and manners shaping society. It is a noun that aligns with the description of the gentle yet powerful effect on the provinces.

Meaning: 'Influence' means the capacity to have an effect on the character, development, or behavior of someone or something.

Wrong options:

• imaginary: 'Imaginary' is an adjective meaning not real or existing only in the imagination, which does not fit the context of laws and manners.
• interior: 'Interior' refers to the inner part of something, which is not relevant when discussing the impact of laws and manners.
• ignorance: 'Ignorance' means lack of knowledge or information, which contradicts the idea of laws and manners having a positive influence.

Correct answer: authority

Explanation: The word 'authority' is appropriate as it denotes the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience, which fits the context of the Roman senate's role. It is a noun that aligns with the subject of the sentence regarding governance.

Meaning: 'Authority' means the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience.

Wrong options:

• amazing: 'Amazing' is an adjective that describes something surprising or impressive, which does not fit the context of governance.
• analogue: 'Analogue' refers to something that is comparable or similar, which does not relate to the concept of power in governance.
• arresting: 'Arresting' is an adjective meaning striking or eye-catching, which is irrelevant in the context of authority.

Correct answer: administration

Explanation: The word 'administration' fits grammatically and contextually as it refers to the management or organization of public affairs, which is appropriate in the context of governance during the specified period. It is a noun that aligns with the subject of public affairs.

Meaning: 'Administration' refers to the process or activity of running a business, organization, or government.

Wrong options:

• across: 'Across' is a preposition indicating position or movement from one side to another, which does not fit the context of governance.
• adage: 'Adage' is a noun meaning a proverb or short statement expressing a general truth, which is not relevant to the context of public affairs.
• applications: 'Applications' refers to the act of putting something into operation, which does not align with the concept of governance.

Correct answer: chapters

Explanation: The word 'chapters' is suitable as it refers to distinct sections of a narrative or discourse, which fits the context of describing parts of a historical account. It is a noun that aligns with the structure of the text discussing different periods.

Meaning: 'Chapters' means sections of a book or narrative, indicating different parts of a story or account.

Wrong options:

• colouring: 'Colouring' refers to the act of adding color or the quality of color, which does not fit the context of historical narrative.
• comparing: 'Comparing' is a verb meaning to examine the similarities and differences, which does not align with the context of describing sections of a narrative.
• cloudy: 'Cloudy' is an adjective describing weather conditions or something unclear, which is irrelevant in the context of historical chapters.