1.  Define the following words as used in the article:

• gubernatorial (para. 1)
• GOP (para. 1)
• public policy (para. 13)
• incumbent (under "Background" below questions)

2.  a) How many states are holding gubernatorial elections this year?
b)  How does RealClearPolitics.com's prediction for the outcome of the election differ from that of The New York Times?

3.  a) What is the Rust Belt?
b)  Which party might take control of the Rust Belt in gubernatorial races this year? Why might this happen?

4.  For what two reasons is this such an important year for both parties to take the majority in the governors' races?

5.  a) Which paragraph describes the process of re-districting?
b)  When did the U.S. Supreme Court rule that the Constitution requires that each U.S. House district have equal numbers of people, and any state with more than one district must adjust its district lines? (see "Background" below the questions)

6.  a) For what reason do political watchers believe Republicans will take majority control of the governorships?
b)  Ask a parent if he/she agrees and to explain his/her answer.