House of Cards

Season 1, Episode 5 Chapter 5

Summary: Franks fight over the Education Bill threatens Claires own
ambitions. Zoe mixes work and play.
American Government Basics: Executive Branch
President: leader of country; commands
military; passes and vetoes bills
Vice President: President of the Senate
and takes over the Presidents duties should
he/she be unable
Cabinet: made up of the Department
Heads; advise the President on federal
matters of their department
Independent Agencies: help carry out
decisions made by the Government or

Vocabulary:
1. Correspondent: a reporter who writes the news from an off-site location,
normally somewhere abroad or far from the company offices
2. A talking-head: a television reporter whose face is all that can be seen on
TV
3. A burner: a cell phone that is normally untraceable, cheap, and that you can
throw away
4. Lobbyist: someone hired to present and support a cause to legislators
5. Collective bargaining: negotiation between a group of employees and
employers to determine salary
6. DNC: Democratic National Committee; the main organization in charge of the
Democratic party
7. Charming: attractive; likable; cute
8. To court: to show interest in starting a relationship with someone; normally
used in the romantic sense; to flirt
9. Head in the game: to be focused
10.We don't have dick: We dont have anything
11.Gravitas: dignity, especially in speech; presence and credibility
12.Fad: something that will be popular for a short amount of time; a passing
interest
13.Liability: someone or something that may put you at a disadvantage
14.Jump through hoops: go through hard, unnecessary steps at someone
elses command
15.Soul food: Southern food often associated with African-Americans like
barbecue
16.Picket (v.): protest with signs and posters
17.Teamster: truck driver; often a truck driver in a union
18.Keep in contention: to keep (someone or something) in the argument or
debate

While watching the episode, write down at least three words that
you do not know or have questions about.

Write the names of these characters.

____________________________
____________________________
____________________________
Understanding Metaphors: Write down what you think the character
really meant.
1. Competence is such an exotic bird in these woods that I appreciate it
whenever I see it.

2. Isn't it better to be holding the reins in this race than watching from
the stands?
3. Has the seed been planted? Only Peter can answer that question. He
has a choice. Will he wither or will he thrive?
Comprehension Questions:
1. What are Marty and Frank fighting about? What does Frank mean when
he says, Friends make the worst enemies?
2. How is Peter dealing with his decision not to testify about the shipyard?
3. Does Claire seem happy with Frank? Why do you think she calls Adam?
4. Is Hammerschmidt right when he says that publishing news through
online media is a fad?
5. Do you think Marty made the right decision by starting the teachers
union strike? Why or why not?