1.  a) List the countries that border Venezuela.
b) Name the capital and president of Venezuela.
c) What type of government has Venezuela had for the past 40 years?

2.  a) Define "rule by decree." 
b) What will it mean to Venezuela for Hugo Chavez to rule by decree?

3.  a) Why did Venezuela's legislative branch (called the National Assembly) pass a law allowing Hugo Chavez to rule by decree?
b) In your opinion, was it a good idea for Chavez's political opponents to boycott the 2005 elections?  Explain your answer. 

4.  List the areas named in the article that are among those Chavez will be able to rule on under the new law.

5.  What plans does Mr. Chavez have for the Venezuelan constitution?

6.  What is Chavez's attitude toward the U.S.?

7.  What type of relationship does Chavez have with the following governments:  Iran, Cuba, Russia?  Be specific.