We need a word that describes an action that is opposite of what people do when they are blunt and honest. They are unclear and speak ambiguously, meaning they "equivocate." "Castigate" means harshly criticize, while "titter" means giggle quietly.

The reference to an "executive board" and "bylaws" indicate an official process is taking place in the organization. The correct answer will not only indicate that, but also the approval given by the "executive board." "Ratify," meaning to approve officially, is the correct answer.

The "clue phrase" in this sentence is "not only . . . even . . ." This indicates an intensification from the first portion to the second portion of the phrase.

Let us consider each of our options. The first two that we can eliminate are "derided" and "spurned." These both imply a negativity that doesn't make sense given the clue phrase.   "Lauded" might seem to fit, but it really would prevent us from having an intensification from the first to the second part of the phrase.  We are left with "accepted" and "considered." This is a tricky last set. The intensified word in the second half of the phrase is "hailed;" therefore, it is more appropriate to choose "accepted" as being the word to be intensified since it is least ambiguous regarding the scholars' approval of the conclusions. "Considering" can merely mean thinking about the topic, not necessarily accepting it (though that could—but not necessarily—be the case).

Even if the word "filibuster" is unfamiliar, the phrase "delaying votes" gives a good enough definition to find the answer. The correct answer will in some was mean delaying.  "Hindered," meaning to obstruct, is the best choice among the answers.

The key word in this sentence is "impressive." Without it, many answer choices would work in the sentence, but the correct choice needs to pair with "impressive." "Revere," meaning to worship or adore, is the only choice that works with the full context of the sentence.

The current regime, as a junta that took over militarily, would have an interest in downplaying the previous president's rule. The correct answer will in some way indicate that suppression. "Efface," meaning to wipe out or eliminate, is the correct answer.

All the answer choices could fit in this sentence, but one choice will fit better than the others. The key word in the sentence is "incoherently," which describes the missing word. "Gibbering," meaning to make random and meaningless noises, is the correct answer.

The "controversy" and the "apology" mentioned in the sentence indicates the comments were something the subject wishes to take back. "Recanted," meaning to have withdrawn a statement, is the correct answer.

The sentence could make sense with a few of the answer choices, so the best fit must be chosen. The CEO increasing the confusion in his response indicates he did not answer clearly. "Demurred," meaning to hesitate or refuse, is the best choice.

The key word in the sentence is "destruction," and much of the rest of the sentence is mere excess. The correct answer will be a word that can be appropiately coupled with "destruction." "Pillaging,"  meaning to plunder and ransack, is the best choice among the answers.