In the Middle Ages, why was the relationship with the Byzantine Empire important for Western Europeans?

Explanation:

"The Byzantine Empire blended Christian beliefs, and Greek and Roman ideas, technologies, and law into their own culture. Western Europe became exposed to the Byzantines through trade, resulting in many Byzantine influences found in the arts and architecture."

question:  

the chart compares religious beliefs to us political party support.

religious beliefs and party support, 2012

this chart demonstrates that

a) more highly religious people supported the republican candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the democratic candidate.

b) more highly religious people supported the democratic candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the republican candidate.

c) more moderately religious people supported the republican candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the democratic candidate.

d) more moderately religious people supported the democratic candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the republican candidate.

answer: a.