1. What is one of the principal purpose of the President's Cabinet? (see "Background" below for the answer.)

2. One of the President's cabinet members is the Secretary of the Interior. What is the purpose of the Department of the Interior in relation to oil and gas? (see "Background" below for the answer.)

3. Define mandate and moratorium as used in paragraphs 4 and 6.

4. What positions has Democratic Senator Ken Salazar taken on oil-shale exploration and offshore oil exploration?

5. President-elect Obama will nominate Sen. Salazar for Secretary of the Interior. What will be one of the most important issues facing Secretary Salazar relating to oil and gas exploration?

6. a) Why did Sen. Salazar oppose expanded oil-shale leases?
b) What energy proposal did Sen. Salazar vote for?

7. Do you think Ken Salazar, as Interior Secretary, should work to allow more offshore oil exploration, more oil-shale exploration, both or neither? Explain your answer. (See "Resources" below for information on these types of oil extraction.)