Grammatical role of 'whatever the circumstances'

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
1

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #5 [color=blue]“As happy as the day is long”, question 1

I’m sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister any day of the week.

(a) whatever the details
(b) whatever the time
(c) whatever the circumstances
(d) whatever the week

English Idioms and Expressions, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #5 [color=blue]“As happy as the day is long”, answer 1

I’m sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister whatever the circumstances.

Correct answer: (c) whatever the circumstances

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
I’m sure that he could make a better job of being prime minister whatever the time.
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Hi, could you please tell me what the role ‘whatever the circumstances’ plays here grammatically? Can I consider it as an abbreviation of ‘whatever the circumstances are’?

2

Hi,

In fact the full version suggests: Whatever the circumstances ‘might be’. This follows on from ‘could’ indicating ‘would be able to’

Alan