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Story:
New Congress is Challenge for President Bush,
11/08/06
Reading Comprehension Questions: 1. What has happened to the House of Representatives?
2. Who will become the new Speaker of the House in January?
3. Why is the Speaker of the House position so important?
4. What do Republicans fear the new Speaker of the House will do?
5. What are some of the new Speaker's views?
6. How many seats do the Democrats need to take control of the Senate?
7. Who are the possible new leaders of the Senate?
8. What are some questions that Democrats will have to consider over the next two years?
9. What effect will the change of power have on President Bush in the remaining 2 years of his term?
Discussion Activity (more research might be needed): 1. Are you happy with the election results? Why or why not? 2. How is the House different from the Senate? Consider responsibilities such as funding for key projects, appointing justices to the Supreme Court, ratifying treaties, etc. Why would the Democrats want control of the House? Why would they want control of the Senate? 3. How do you think the results of this election will influence the presidential election of 2008? 4. If you were in Nancy Pelosi's position, how would you handle the transfer of power and balance liberal with more moderate Democrats? Write a 300-500 word essay on either of these topics providing clear examples. Send your completed editorial to NewsHour Extra (extra@newshour.org). Exceptional essays might be published on our Web site. |