Final answer:
Becket was a formidable opponent to Henry II through his challenge to the king's authority. George Washington expanded the presidential power by appointing federal department heads as advisors. Henry VIII rejected the Catholic Church to annul his marriage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Becket proved to be a formidable opponent to Henry II because he challenged the king's authority (c). As the Archbishop of Canterbury, Becket defended the rights and privileges of the Church against the encroachments of the king's power, asserting the Church's independence and directly conflicting with Henry II's push for control over church matters, which was a significant source of tension between them. This dispute led to Becket's murder and subsequent martyrdom, further cementing his reputation as a strong opponent of the monarch's overreach into ecclesiastical affairs.
In terms of George Washington expanding the power of the presidency, the correct answer is b. He appointed the heads of various federal departments as his own advisors. Washington set the precedent for the formation of what would later be known as the President’s Cabinet, a group of advisors that helps the president execute their duties effectively.
Henry VIII rejected the authority of the Catholic Church primarily because he was angry that the pope would not annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon (c). His desire to divorce and remarry to ensure a male heir led to the establishment of the Church of England, marking a significant shift in religious and political power in the country.