_______ began as a series of programs, public work projects, and financial reforms enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Which choice completes the text so that it conforms to the conventions of Standard English?
Established in the 1930s, the New Deal
Established in the 1930s, the New Deal,
Established in the 1930s the New Deal
Established in the 1930s, the New Deal
Correct Answer: A
Choice A is the best answer. "Established in the 1930s" is an introductory participial phrase modifying "the New Deal." A comma must separate the intro phrase from the subject. No comma should be placed after the subject "the New Deal" because it immediately precedes the verb "began."
Choice B is incorrect because the comma after "Deal" separates the subject from its verb. Choice C is incorrect because it lacks the comma after the introductory phrase.