In this passage-based vocabulary question, fill the blank in the clause "for a court to come along 66 years _________________," by selecting the most appropriate word indicating time.

Introduction / Context:

This question is part of a longer passage that criticises a court for misusing the idea of fraternity many years after the Constitution was framed. The specific clause reads "for a court to come along 66 years _________________," and you must choose the adverb that correctly completes the time expression. The correct choice must fit both grammar and the sense of something happening after a span of years.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- Clause: "for a court to come along 66 years _________________,".

- Options: "late", "lately", "later", "latest".

- The phrase "66 years" clearly refers to a period of time in the past between two events.

- The blank requires an adverb that expresses "after that period had passed".

Concept / Approach:

In English, we often say "X years later" to indicate that something happened after a certain number of years from a reference point. For example, "Ten years later, he returned to his hometown." The word "later" is the natural adverb used in such numeric time expressions. "late" generally describes something that happens too slowly or beyond an expected time, as in "You are late". "lately" means "recently" and is not used with a specific numeral. "latest" is a superlative adjective meaning "most recent". Only "later" fits the pattern "number + years + later".

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

We can insert each option into the fuller context of the passage. Suppose the text reads "The Constitution's framers did not use this symbolic term for a court to come along 66 years later, and appropriating it for the purposes of subordinating individual rights...". Here, "later" clearly and naturally connects the time of the framers and the much later intervention by the court. None of the other options sound natural in this slot. Exam passages that describe historical developments almost always use "X years later" to mark the passage of time between events.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"late" would create the phrase "66 years late", which in this context would suggest that the court was late in doing something it was supposed to do, rather than simply acting after a long gap. That nuance does not match the passage, which criticises the court for misusing a concept long after it was framed, not for being late to fulfil a duty. "lately" means "recently" and cannot combine with "66 years". "latest" is an adjective and cannot modify "years" in this way. Therefore, none of these alternatives are grammatically or semantically appropriate.

Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes confuse "late" and "later", especially when dealing with time expressions, or they treat all of these similar-looking words as interchangeable. It is important to remember that "later" is used with comparisons of time and with numeric periods ("two days later"), while "late" is used for punctuality or schedule, and "lately" refers to the recent past without specific numbers. Being clear about these distinctions helps in many cloze and passage-based questions.

Final Answer:

The blank should be filled with "later", giving "for a court to come along 66 years later".