American citizens were not generally required to have passports for

Dear Friends,

Here is a detailed explanation to this question-



Choice A: This answer choice uses the simple past tense to refer to the act of Washington relying on specific immigration laws; as this act is the earlier of two events that concluded in the past, it would be more appropriate to refer to this event with the past perfect tense. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

Choice B: This answer choice maintains proper tense use, conveys the intended meaning of the sentence, and is quite concise. Thus, this answer choice is correct.

Choice C: This answer choice repeats the error seen in Option A. Additionally, this answer choice is needlessly wordy due to the use of the passive voice. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

Choice D: This answer choice repeats the errors seen in Options A and C. Additionally, this answer choice changes the meaning of the sentence by using the phrase "travel for Washington"; this phrase implies that the regulations applied to travel to Washington. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

Choice E: This answer choice changes the meaning of the sentence entirely by omitting the word regulation. Thus, this answer choice is incorrect.

Hence, B is the best answer choice.

To understand the concept of "Past Perfect Tense - Use of Had on GMAT", you may want to watch the following video (~2 minutes):



All the best!
Experts' Global Team