1. Define the following words as used in the article:
-ambiguity (para. 2)
-verify (para. 2)
-preamble (para. 4, 21)
-ratify/ratified (para. 6)
-triad (para. 11)
-intercontinental ballistic missiles (para. 11)
-proliferation (para. 11)
-constrain (para. 19)

2. a) What is START?
b) If ratified, what reductions will START make in the number of U.S. nuclear weapons?

3. a) What concerns do Republican Senators Mitch McConnell and Jon Kyl have about START?
b) What assurances will Republicans ask the President for? (see para. 19)
c) Read about missile defense under "Background" below the questions. Do you agree with the Republican senators that the treaty should not hinder our missile-defense system? Explain your answer.

4. There are currently 57 Democrat, 41 Republican and 2 Independent Senators. How many votes are needed to ratify a treaty?

5. What will Sen. Joe Lieberman's vote on the treaty depend upon?

6. How does President Obama's nuclear posture review differ from what the Republicans say is important?