Kamala Harris

Definition

Kamala Harris is an American politician and attorney who serves as the Vice President of the United States, having assumed office on January 20, 2021. She is notable for being the first female vice president, the first African American vice president, and the first Asian American vice president in U.S. history, marking a significant shift in American political representation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kamala Harris was born on October 20, 1964, in Oakland, California, to immigrant parents from India and Jamaica.
2. Before her vice presidency, she made history as the first woman of South Asian descent elected to the U.S. Senate.
3. Harris has focused on several key issues throughout her political career, including criminal justice reform, immigration reform, and healthcare access.
4. During the 2020 campaign, she gained attention for her candid and sharp questioning style during debates, which showcased her prosecutorial background.
5. As vice president, she is actively involved in addressing significant issues such as climate change, economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, and social justice.

Review Questions

• How has Kamala Harris's background influenced her political priorities and initiatives?
  • Kamala Harris's diverse background as the daughter of immigrant parents has significantly influenced her political priorities. Her experiences have shaped her focus on issues like immigration reform and social justice, advocating for policies that address the needs of marginalized communities. Additionally, her role as a former prosecutor has led her to prioritize criminal justice reform and equitable law enforcement practices.
• Discuss the impact of Kamala Harris's historic vice presidency on American politics and representation.
  • Kamala Harris's election as vice president marks a historic milestone for American politics, breaking multiple barriers as the first female vice president and first woman of African American and South Asian descent to hold this office. Her presence in such a high-ranking position symbolizes progress toward greater diversity and representation in U.S. leadership. This shift can inspire future generations to pursue political careers and advocate for inclusivity across all levels of government.
• Evaluate how Kamala Harris’s tenure as Vice President has addressed key political issues and ballot initiatives since taking office.
  • Since taking office, Kamala Harris has actively engaged in addressing key political issues such as climate change, healthcare access, and economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. She has been instrumental in promoting initiatives that aim to create equitable opportunities for all Americans while also addressing systemic injustices. By leveraging her platform as Vice President, Harris has sought to influence legislative priorities and ballot initiatives that align with these goals, thereby shaping policy discussions at the national level.

Related terms

California Attorney General: The top legal officer in California, responsible for overseeing the state's legal affairs and representing it in legal matters, a position held by Kamala Harris from 2011 to 2017.

U.S. Senate: The upper chamber of the United States Congress where Kamala Harris served as a senator from California from 2017 until she became Vice President in 2021.

Election of 2020: The presidential election in which Kamala Harris was selected as Joe Biden's running mate, playing a critical role in his campaign and ultimately their victory.