Final answer:
The clause is independent because it expresses a complete thought.
Step-by-step explanation:
The best way to describe this clause is independent because it expresses a complete thought. An independent clause can stand alone as a complete sentence and expresses a complete idea. In this case, the clause 'the harsh restrictions provoked anger and outrage in the public' can function as a complete sentence and does not rely on any other part of the sentence to make sense.
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