Counterculture: Behavior and values that reject conventional manners.

Détente: A relaxing of tensions between rival nations. A period of détente is marked by increased diplomatic, commercial, and cultural contact.

Gubernatorial: Relating to the office of governor.

Incumbent: The elected official currently holding office.

Iran-Contra scandal: A scandal during the Reagan administration during which government officials made illegal sales of weapons to Iran. Money made from those sales were diverted to secret funds provided to the Contras in the civil war in El Salvador. This was illegal, since Congress must authorize foreign aid.

Permissive: Tolerant of behavior and values that go against conventional manners.

Presidential primaries: Elections held in states to help determine the nominees of political parties for the general election. Each party disperses a certain number of delegates to each state. A candidate must win support of a majority...