Action Kit

recession — When the economy isn't doing so hot (which involves a lot of factors), it's a recession; this usually has to last for a few months to be considered an actual recession; see bear market.

Republican — Political parties should be defined by the people in them. (Republican Party's Web site)

rhetoric — Political rhetoric is the chief job description for most politicians; they spend their time talking, arguing and making official statements; the problem is that, with all this, the words tend to become canned and meaningless.

Roe v. Wade — One of the most well-known Supreme Court cases in history; in brief, the ruling (which amounts to law) says that laws against abortion violate the Constitution's 'right to privacy,' and that women may abort pregnancy for any reason up to a point where a fetus is able to live on its own; the debate continues today over the judgment, including where that point should be, how much regulation should happen after that point, what age females can make the decision, who women must tell and many other aspects; this debate will probably continue forever. (Wikipedia entry on Roe v. Wade)