Which of the Following Statements About Congress Today Is LEAST

Which of the following statements about Congress today is LEAST accurate?

A) Whereas committee seats were traditionally awarded based on merit, incumbents have managed to impose a strict seniority system on these appointments.
B) The number of women and ethnic minorities in Congress increased during the second half of the twentieth century.
C) For several decades after 1937, Southern Democrats were able to prevent progressive legislation from being passed in Congress.
D) Partisan divisions have become more virulent within Congress.
E) Party leaders today are more important in the legislative process than 30 years ago.