Which of the following best defines the underlined word in the following sentence?
“in ancient times, rulers would announce edicts to the people.”
a. a public law
b. a military order
c. a set of marriage laws
d. a harsh code of conduct

The correct answer here would be a public law. Edicts throughout history usually meant public laws which people had to abide by on a short notice. Edicts were often given out due to some specific reason/as a consequence to a certain event to which then had to respond. 

The transcontinental railroad provided a means of fast transportation. it cut a 6 month trip into 6 days, created jobs for many people and encouraged immigration. the homestead act played a huge role in western expansion; it allowed settlers to begin a fresh start, and gave them land in exchange for their residence for up to five years and a small fee.