Groups are defined by all of the following characteristics except: members of the group are dependent on one another to achieve personal goals the members are mutually dependent on each other there is recognition that people belong to a collective entity there are rules and roles that control people's interactions people's personal needs are being met that reward group membership

The correct answer is D. Violations or infringement of law or duty

Explanation:

In the excerpt presented, the word "transgressions" refers to the actions confessed of by a character called Dimmesdale as the author explains "The consequences of confession for Dimmesdale". Additionally, the sentence "death was not unknown as a punishment for these kinds of transgressions" suggests the actions confessed are so serious that they can lead to death. According to this, it can infer the word "transgressions" refer to past crimes of Dimmesdale or violations to the law and therefore the meaning of this word is likely "violations or infringement of law or duty ".