Explanation

The reference to human nature and long distances suggest that it is rather routine for drivers to exceed the speed limit in this state. “Cherished tradition” best fits this context for Blank (i), since there is nothing in the sentence to suggest that speeding here is “controversial” or “disquieting.” In Blank (ii) we need to consider what the legislature would do that would surprise no one with regard to increased penalties for speeding.

Given what we have learned so far, “rejected” is the best answer; it would be surprising if the legislature “endorsed” or even “considered” increased penalties for speeding.

Thus the correct answer is cherished tradition (Choice B) and rejected (Choice F).
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Sandy
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The reference to "human nature" suggests something permanent. Therefore, cherished tradition seems to be the best fit, especially since the other two options - controversial habit and disquieting ritual do not seem to have any support, either in the sense of the whole sentence or through explicit clues.

Now, we are also told that the legislators surprised no one with their decision with respect to penalties for over-speeding. Since clearly it is a cherished tradition to exceed speed limits, they must not have increased penalties. Hence rejected is the right answer choice.

As a further clue, we have is "acceding to public demand". We can expect public demand to be in favour of conceding to human nature, so that would further imply that increased penalties for speeding would be rejected.