[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: difference
Target surface form: difference
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the <t>difference</t> between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=difference%1:07:00:: | definition=the quality of being unlike or dissimilar | examples=there are many differences between jazz and rock
2. sense_key=difference%1:24:00:: | definition=a significant change | examples=the difference in her is amazing; his support made a real difference
3. sense_key=difference%1:23:00:: | definition=the number that remains after subtraction; the number that when added to the subtrahend gives the minuend | synonyms=remainder
4. sense_key=difference%1:10:00:: | definition=a disagreement or argument about something important | synonyms=dispute, difference of opinion, conflict | examples=he had a dispute with his wife; there were irreconcilable differences
5. sense_key=difference%1:11:00:: | definition=a variation that deviates from the standard or norm | synonyms=deviation, divergence, departure | examples=the deviation from the mean

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 3}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `difference`
    *   Context: "...the <t>difference</t> between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."
    *   Target surface form: `difference`

    *   Sense 1: the quality of being unlike or dissimilar (general difference).
    *   Sense 2: a significant change (e.g., "made a real difference").
    *   Sense 3: the number that remains after subtraction (mathematical difference).
    *   Sense 4: a disagreement or argument (dispute).
    *   Sense 5: a variation that deviates from the standard or norm (deviation).

    *   The sentence discusses "the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates".
    *   It mentions this difference is a "positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is".
    *   This implies a numerical calculation: (Votes for Presidential Candidate) - (Votes for Senatorial Candidate) = Difference.
    *   The context is statistical/quantitative analysis of election data.

    *   Sense 1 (dissimilarity) is too general.
    *   Sense 2 (change) doesn't fit.
    *   Sense 3 (number after subtraction) fits perfectly because it refers to the numerical gap between two vote counts.
    *   Sense 4 (disagreement) doesn't fit.
    *   Sense 5 (deviation from norm) doesn't fit as well as the mathematical subtraction.

    *   The phrase "difference between [number A] and [number B]" in a quantitative context almost always refers to the mathematical difference (Sense 3).


attempt_kind: initial

status: success

[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: popular
Target surface form: popular
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between <t>popular</t> votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=popular%5:00:00:nonclassical:00 | definition=(of music or art) new and of general appeal (especially among young people) | synonyms=pop
2. sense_key=popular%3:00:00:: | definition=regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public | examples=a popular tourist attraction; a popular girl
3. sense_key=popular%5:00:01:common:01 | definition=representing or appealing to or adapted for the benefit of the people at large | synonyms=democratic | examples=democratic art forms; a democratic or popular movement
4. sense_key=popular%5:00:00:democratic:00 | definition=carried on by or for the people (or citizens) at large | examples=the popular vote; popular representation

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 4}
```

finish_reason: stop

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 4}
```

role: assistant

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `popular`
    *   Target surface form: `popular`
    *   Context: "...the difference between <t>popular</t> votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."
    *   Key phrase: "popular votes"

    *   Sense 1: (of music or art) new and of general appeal (especially among young people). (Incorrect: Not about music/art).
    *   Sense 2: regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public. (Incorrect: "Popular votes" doesn't mean "votes that are liked").
    *   Sense 3: representing or appealing to or adapted for the benefit of the people at large. (Close, but usually refers to movements or art).
    *   Sense 4: carried on by or for the people (or citizens) at large. Example: "the popular vote". (Perfect match).

    *   The context refers to "popular votes" in the context of elections (presidential and senatorial candidates).
    *   In political science, the "popular vote" refers to the total number of individual votes cast by the general public, as opposed to the Electoral College or other indirect methods.
    *   Sense 4 explicitly lists "the popular vote" as an example.

currency: USD

source: unavailable


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: vote
Target surface form: votes
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular <t>votes</t> for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=vote%1:04:01:: | definition=the opinion of a group as determined by voting | examples=they put the question to a vote
2. sense_key=vote%1:09:00:: | definition=the total number of voters who participated | synonyms=voter turnout | examples=they are expecting a large vote
3. sense_key=vote%1:14:00:: | definition=a body of voters who have the same interests | examples=he failed to get the Black vote
4. sense_key=vote%1:07:00:: | definition=a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment | synonyms=right to vote, suffrage | examples=American women got the vote in 1920
5. sense_key=vote%1:04:00:: | definition=a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative | synonyms=ballot, voting, balloting | examples=there were only 17 votes in favor of the motion; they allowed just one vote per person

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 5}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 5}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `vote`
    *   Target surface form: `votes`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular <t>votes</t> for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."

    *   Sense 1: `vote%1:04:01` - the opinion of a group as determined by voting (e.g., "put the question to a vote").
    *   Sense 2: `vote%1:09:00` - the total number of voters who participated (synonym: voter turnout).
    *   Sense 3: `vote%1:14:00` - a body of voters who have the same interests (e.g., "the Black vote").
    *   Sense 4: `vote%1:07:00` - a legal right (synonym: suffrage).
    *   Sense 5: `vote%1:04:00` - a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative (synonyms: ballot, voting, balloting).

    *   The phrase is "popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates".
    *   "Popular votes" in the context of an election refers to the individual choices made by voters, which are then counted to determine the winner.
    *   It's not referring to the *right* to vote (Sense 4).
    *   It's not referring to a *group* of voters with shared interests (Sense 3).
    *   It's not referring to the *total turnout* (Sense 2), but rather the specific votes cast *for* specific candidates.
    *   It's not referring to the *opinion of a group* as a single outcome (Sense 1).
    *   It refers to the individual choices/ballots cast for the candidates.

    *   Sense 5: "a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative". This fits "popular votes for [candidates]" perfectly.

    *   Sense 2 (voter turnout) is about how many people showed up.
    *   Sense 5 (the choice/ballot) is about the actual votes cast for a specific option.
    *   "Popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates" refers to the count of choices made for those candidates.

    *   Sense 5 is the best fit.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: republican
Target surface form: Republican
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for <t>Republican</t> presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=republican%3:01:01:: | definition=relating to or belonging to the Republican Party | examples=a Republican senator; Republican party politics
2. sense_key=republican%5:00:00:democratic:00 | definition=having the supreme power lying in the body of citizens entitled to vote for officers and representatives responsible to them or characteristic of such government; - United States Constitution; ; - Philip Marsh; -Nathaniel Hawthorne | examples=the United States shall guarantee to every state in this union a republican form of government; a very republican notion

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 1}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 1}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `republican`
    *   Target surface form: `Republican`
    *   Context: The text discusses Democrats and Republicans in the context of roll-call votes, House and Senate attendance, personal staffing, and candidates for president and senate. It specifically mentions "GOP candidates" as a synonym for "Republican candidates".
    *   Candidate senses:
        1.  `republican%3:01:01::`: relating to or belonging to the Republican Party (e.g., a Republican senator).
        2.  `republican%5:00:00:democratic:00`: having the supreme power lying in the body of citizens (republican form of government).

    *   The context mentions "Democrats", "Republican Party", "GOP candidates", "Republican presidential and senatorial candidates".
    *   This clearly refers to the political party in the United States, not the general concept of a republic or republicanism.

    *   Sense 1: "relating to or belonging to the Republican Party" - Matches perfectly.
    *   Sense 2: "having the supreme power lying in the body of citizens..." - Does not match.

    *   The target word "Republican" in "Republican presidential and senatorial candidates" refers to the political party.
    *   Sense index 1 is the correct choice.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: presidential
Target surface form: presidential
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican <t>presidential</t> and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=presidential%3:01:00:: | definition=relating to a president or presidency | examples=presidential aides; presidential veto
2. sense_key=presidential%3:00:00:: | definition=befitting a president | examples=criticized the candidate for not looking presidential

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 1}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `presidential`
    *   Target surface form: `presidential`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican <t>presidential</t> and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election..."
    *   Candidate senses:
        1.  `presidential%3:01:00::` (relating to a president or presidency)
        2.  `presidential%3:00:00::` (befitting a president)

    *   The sentence discusses "Republican presidential and senatorial candidates".
    *   In this context, "presidential candidates" refers to people running for the office of the president.
    *   This is a relationship to the presidency/president (the office/role).

    *   Sense 1: "relating to a president or presidency" (e.g., presidential aides, presidential veto). This fits perfectly.
    *   Sense 2: "befitting a president" (e.g., looking presidential). This refers to demeanor or appearance, which does not fit "presidential candidates".

    *   The correct sense is Sense 1.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: candidate
Target surface form: candidates
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial <t>candidates</t> in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=candidate%1:18:01:: | definition=a politician who is running for public office | synonyms=campaigner, nominee
2. sense_key=candidate%1:18:00:: | definition=someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.) | synonyms=prospect

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 1}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `candidate`
    *   Target surface form: `candidates`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial <t>candidates</t> in states conducting a Senate election..." and "GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate..."
    *   Candidate senses:
        1.  `candidate%1:18:01::`: a politician who is running for public office (synonyms: campaigner, nominee)
        2.  `candidate%1:18:00::`: someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.) (synonyms: prospect)

    *   The context explicitly mentions "Republican presidential and senatorial candidates", "states conducting a Senate election", and "GOP candidates for president".
    *   These are people running for public office in an election.

    *   Sense 1: "a politician who is running for public office". This fits perfectly.
    *   Sense 2: "someone who is considered for something (for an office or prize or honor etc.)". This is a more general sense. While a politician running for office is technically "considered for an office", Sense 1 is the specific and more accurate term for someone running in an election.

    *   Sense 1 is the most precise fit for "presidential and senatorial candidates".


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: state
Target surface form: states
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in <t>states</t> conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=state%1:26:01:: | definition=a state of depression or agitation | examples=he was in such a state you just couldn't reason with him
2. sense_key=state%1:14:02:: | definition=the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies | synonyms=Department of State, United States Department of State, State Department, DoS | examples=the Department of State was created in 1789
3. sense_key=state%1:14:01:: | definition=the group of people comprising the government of a sovereign state | examples=the state has lowered its income tax
4. sense_key=state%1:14:00:: | definition=a politically organized body of people under a single government | synonyms=nation, country, land, commonwealth, res publica, body politic | examples=the state has elected a new president; African nations
5. sense_key=state%1:03:00:: | definition=the way something is with respect to its main attributes | examples=the current state of knowledge; his state of health
6. sense_key=state%1:15:00:: | definition=the territory occupied by a nation | synonyms=country, land | examples=he returned to the land of his birth; he visited several European countries
7. sense_key=state%1:26:02:: | definition=(chemistry) the three traditional states of matter are solids (fixed shape and volume) and liquids (fixed volume and shaped by the container) and gases (filling the container) | synonyms=state of matter | examples=the solid state of water is called ice
8. sense_key=state%1:15:01:: | definition=the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation | synonyms=province | examples=his state is in the deep south

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 8}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 8}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `state`
    *   Target surface form: `states`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in <t>states</t> conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."
    *   Key phrases: "Republican presidential and senatorial candidates", "conducting a Senate election", "federal government's tax burden is per state".

    *   Sense 1: state of depression or agitation (Emotional state) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 2: US Department of State (Government agency) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 3: group of people comprising the government of a sovereign state (Government body) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 4: politically organized body of people under a single government (Nation/Country) - Possible, but usually refers to the sovereign entity.
    *   Sense 5: way something is (Condition/Status) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 6: territory occupied by a nation (Country/Land) - Possible, but usually refers to the sovereign entity.
    *   Sense 7: state of matter (Chemistry) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 8: territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation (Province/US State) - Correct.

    *   The context mentions "senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election". In the US political system, senators are elected from individual states (constituent administrative districts of the nation).
    *   It also mentions "federal government's tax burden is per state", further reinforcing that these are the sub-national entities (US states).
    *   Sense 8 specifically defines "the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation" and gives the synonym "province". This fits perfectly for US states.

    *   Sense 4 and 6 refer to sovereign nations.
    *   Sense 8 refers to sub-national administrative districts (like US states).
    *   The context is clearly about US politics (Democrats, Republicans, House, Senate, federal government), so "states" refers to the 50 US states.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: conduct
Target surface form: conducting
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states <t>conducting</t> a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=conduct%2:36:00:: | definition=lead, as in the performance of a composition | synonyms=lead, direct | examples=conduct an orchestra; Barenboim conducted the Chicago symphony for years
2. sense_key=conduct%2:38:01:: | definition=take somebody somewhere | synonyms=lead, take, direct, guide | examples=We lead him to our chief; can you take me to the main entrance?
3. sense_key=conduct%2:41:00:: | definition=direct the course of; manage or control | synonyms=carry on, deal | examples=You cannot conduct business like this
4. sense_key=conduct%2:41:01:: | definition=behave in a certain manner | synonyms=behave, acquit, bear, deport, comport, carry | examples=She carried herself well; he bore himself with dignity
5. sense_key=conduct%2:36:04:: | definition=lead musicians in the performance of | examples=Bernstein conducted Mahler like no other conductor; she cannot conduct modern pieces
6. sense_key=conduct%2:38:00:: | definition=transmit or serve as the medium for transmission | synonyms=impart, transmit, convey, carry, channel | examples=Sound carries well over water; The airwaves carry the sound

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 3}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 3}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `conduct`
    *   Target surface form: `conducting`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states <t>conducting</t> a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."

    *   Sense 1: lead, as in the performance of a composition (orchestra).
    *   Sense 2: take somebody somewhere (guide).
    *   Sense 3: direct the course of; manage or control (carry on, deal). Example: "conduct business".
    *   Sense 4: behave in a certain manner (behave, comport).
    *   Sense 5: lead musicians in the performance of (similar to Sense 1).
    *   Sense 6: transmit or serve as the medium for transmission (electricity, sound).

    *   The phrase is "states conducting a Senate election".
    *   In this context, "conducting" means organizing, carrying out, or managing the process of an election.
    *   Comparing this to the candidate senses:
        *   Sense 1 & 5 (music) - No.
        *   Sense 2 (guiding someone) - No.
        *   Sense 3 (direct the course of; manage or control; carry on) - Yes. "Conducting an election" is similar to "conducting business" or "carrying on" a process.
        *   Sense 4 (behaving) - No.
        *   Sense 6 (transmitting) - No.

    *   Sense 3: "direct the course of; manage or control" / synonyms: "carry on, deal".
    *   "Conducting an election" fits the meaning of managing or carrying out a process.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: election
Target surface form: election
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate <t>election</t> turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=election%1:04:00:: | definition=the act of selecting someone or something; the exercise of deliberate choice | examples=her election of medicine as a profession
2. sense_key=election%1:09:00:: | definition=the predestination of some individuals as objects of divine mercy (especially as conceived by Calvinists)
3. sense_key=election%1:04:01:: | definition=a vote to select the winner of a position or political office | examples=the results of the election will be announced tonight
4. sense_key=election%1:26:00:: | definition=the status or fact of being elected | examples=they celebrated his election

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 3}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `election`
    *   Target surface form: `election`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate <t>election</t> turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."
    *   Candidate senses:
        1.  `election%1:04:00`: the act of selecting someone or something; the exercise of deliberate choice.
        2.  `election%1:09:00`: the predestination of some individuals as objects of divine mercy.
        3.  `election%1:04:01`: a vote to select the winner of a position or political office.
        4.  `election%1:26:00`: the status or fact of being elected.

    *   The sentence mentions "popular votes", "Republican presidential and senatorial candidates", and "states conducting a Senate election".
    *   This clearly refers to a political process where people vote to choose a representative for the Senate.

    *   Sense 1: General act of selecting (too broad).
    *   Sense 2: Religious predestination (irrelevant).
    *   Sense 3: A vote to select the winner of a position or political office (perfect fit).
    *   Sense 4: The status of being elected (incorrect; the context is about the *process* of conducting the election).

    *   The context "conducting a Senate election" refers to the event/process of voting for a political office. This matches sense 3.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: turn_out
Target surface form: turns out
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election <t>turns out</t> to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=turn_out%2:38:00:: | definition=turn outward | synonyms=splay, spread out, rotate | examples=These birds can splay out their toes; ballet dancers can rotate their legs out by 90 degrees
2. sense_key=turn_out%2:36:01:: | definition=produce quickly or regularly, usually with machinery | examples=This factory turns out saws
3. sense_key=turn_out%2:35:01:: | definition=cause to stop operating by disengaging a switch | synonyms=switch off, cut, turn off | examples=Turn off the stereo, please; cut the engine
4. sense_key=turn_out%2:41:03:: | definition=come and gather for a public event | examples=Hundreds of thousands turned out for the anti-war rally in New York
5. sense_key=turn_out%2:36:00:: | definition=bring forth, | synonyms=bear | examples=The apple tree bore delicious apples this year; The unidentified plant bore gorgeous flowers
6. sense_key=turn_out%2:42:01:: | definition=prove to be in the result or end | examples=It turns out that he was right
7. sense_key=turn_out%2:42:00:: | definition=be shown or be found to be | synonyms=prove, turn up | examples=She proved to be right; The medicine turned out to save her life
8. sense_key=turn_out%2:29:00:: | definition=get up and out of bed | synonyms=get up, arise, uprise, rise | examples=I get up at 7 A.M. every day; They rose early
9. sense_key=turn_out%2:35:00:: | definition=put out or expel from a place | synonyms=eject, chuck out, exclude, turf out, boot out | examples=The unruly student was excluded from the game
10. sense_key=turn_out%2:40:03:: | definition=outfit or equip, as with accessories | examples=The actors were turned out lavishly
11. sense_key=turn_out%2:30:00:: | definition=come, usually in answer to an invitation or summons | examples=How many people turned out that evening?
12. sense_key=turn_out%2:42:02:: | definition=result or end | synonyms=come out | examples=How will the game turn out?

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 7}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 7}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `turn_out`
    *   Target surface form: `turns out`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election <t>turns out</t> to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."

    *   The sentence is discussing a statistical finding or a result of an analysis.
    *   "the difference... turns out to be a positive function of..."
    *   This means the analysis *revealed* or *showed* that the difference is a positive function.

    *   1: turn outward (physical movement) - No.
    *   2: produce quickly/regularly (manufacturing) - No.
    *   3: stop operating (switch off) - No.
    *   4: come and gather (public event) - No.
    *   5: bring forth (bear fruit) - No.
    *   6: prove to be in the result or end (e.g., "It turns out that he was right") - This is close.
    *   7: be shown or be found to be (synonyms: prove, turn up; e.g., "She proved to be right") - This is also very close.
    *   8: get up and out of bed - No.
    *   9: put out or expel - No.
    *   10: outfit or equip - No.
    *   11: come in answer to invitation - No.
    *   12: result or end (e.g., "How will the game turn out?") - No.

    *   Sense 6: "prove to be in the result or end" (Example: "It turns out that he was right")
    *   Sense 7: "be shown or be found to be" (Synonyms: prove, turn up; Example: "She proved to be right")

    *   Context: "...the difference... turns out to be a positive function..."
    *   This is a statement of a finding.
    *   Sense 6 often introduces a clause ("It turns out that...").
    *   Sense 7 describes a subject being found to have a certain quality or property ("The difference turns out to be...").
    *   Let's look at the examples again:
        *   Sense 6: "It turns out that he was right" (Impersonal construction).
        *   Sense 7: "She proved to be right" (Subject-predicate construction).
    *   The target sentence uses the subject-predicate construction: "[the difference] turns out to be [a positive function]". This matches Sense 7's structure ("She proved to be right") better than Sense 6's structure ("It turns out that...").

    *   Sense 7: "be shown or be found to be" / "prove".
    *   "the difference... turns out to be a positive function" $\approx$ "the difference... is shown to be a positive function" or "the difference... proves to be a positive function".
    *   This fits perfectly.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: positive
Target surface form: positive
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a <t>positive</t> function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=positive%3:01:00:: | definition=of or relating to positivism | synonyms=positivist, positivistic | examples=positivist thinkers; positivist doctrine
2. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:confident:00 | definition=marked by excessive confidence | synonyms=cocksure, overconfident | examples=an arrogant and cocksure materialist; so overconfident and impudent as to speak to the queen
3. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:advantageous:00 | definition=involving advantage or good | synonyms=plus | examples=a plus (or positive) factor
4. sense_key=positive%3:00:01:: | definition=characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc. | examples=a positive attitude; the reviews were all positive
5. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:certain:02 | definition=persuaded of; very sure | synonyms=convinced, confident | examples=were convinced that it would be to their advantage to join; I am positive he is lying
6. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:formal:01 | definition=formally laid down or imposed | synonyms=prescribed | examples=positive laws
7. sense_key=positive%3:00:05:: | definition=reckoned, situated or tending in the direction which naturally or arbitrarily is taken to indicate increase or progress or onward motion | examples=positive increase in graduating students
8. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:undeniable:00 | definition=impossible to deny or disprove | synonyms=incontrovertible, irrefutable | examples=incontrovertible proof of the defendant's innocence; proof positive
9. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:plus:00 | definition=greater than zero | examples=positive numbers
10. sense_key=positive%3:00:04:: | definition=indicating existence or presence of a suspected condition or pathogen | synonyms=confirming | examples=a positive pregnancy test
11. sense_key=positive%5:00:00:charged:00 | definition=having a positive charge | synonyms=electropositive, positively charged | examples=protons are positive

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 7}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `positive`
    *   Target surface form: `positive`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a <t>positive</t> function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."
    *   Meaning: In mathematics and statistics, a "positive function" (or more accurately, a positive relationship/correlation) means that as one variable increases, the other also increases.

    *   1: positivism (philosophy) - No.
    *   2: excessive confidence (cocksure) - No.
    *   3: advantageous/good (plus factor) - No.
    *   4: affirmation/acceptance (positive attitude) - No.
    *   5: persuaded/sure (convinced) - No.
    *   6: formally laid down (positive laws) - No.
    *   7: reckoned, situated or tending in the direction which naturally or arbitrarily is taken to indicate increase or progress or onward motion (e.g., positive increase) - This describes a positive correlation or direction.
    *   8: undeniable (incontrovertible) - No.
    *   9: greater than zero (positive numbers) - This is the mathematical definition of a positive number.
    *   10: indicating existence (positive test) - No.
    *   11: positive charge (physics) - No.

    *   The phrase is "a positive function of".
    *   In this context, it means that as the tax burden (independent variable) increases, the difference in votes (dependent variable) also increases.
    *   Sense 7: "reckoned, situated or tending in the direction which naturally or arbitrarily is taken to indicate increase or progress or onward motion".
    *   Sense 9: "greater than zero".

    *   Wait, "positive function" usually refers to the *sign* of the relationship (the slope is positive).
    *   If the difference is a "positive function of X", it means the difference increases as X increases.
    *   Sense 7 specifically mentions "tending in the direction... to indicate increase".
    *   Sense 9 is about the value being > 0.

    Let's re-read Sense 7: "reckoned, situated or tending in the direction which naturally or arbitrarily is taken to indicate increase or progress or onward motion".
    Example: "positive increase in graduating students".

    Let's re-read Sense 9: "greater than zero".
    Example: "positive numbers".

    In "positive function of", the word "positive" describes the nature of the relationship (the correlation). If the function $f(x)$ is positive, it usually means $f(x) > 0$. However, in social sciences/statistics, saying "Y is a positive function of X" often means $dY/dX > 0$ (a positive correlation).

    Let's look at the context again: "...the difference... turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is... Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe."

    This "Put more simply" part confirms that as the tax burden (the "sentence") becomes more severe (increases), the difference (Presidential GOP - Senatorial GOP) increases. This is a positive correlation.

    Does Sense 7 or Sense 9 fit better?
    Sense 7: "tending in the direction... to indicate increase".
    Sense 9: "greater than zero".

    If the difference is "greater than zero", it just means the Presidential candidate did better than the Senatorial candidate. But the text says it's a "positive *function of* [the tax burden]", implying the *amount* of the difference depends on the *amount* of the tax burden.

    In mathematical terms, a "positive function" $f(x)$ is one where $f(x) > 0$ for all $x$. But in common academic parlance (especially in political science), "Y is a positive function of X" means $Y$ increases as $X$ increases.

    Comparing Sense 7 and Sense 9 again:
    Sense 7: "tending in the direction... to indicate increase".
    Sense 9: "greater than zero".

    Sense 7 is much closer to the concept of a positive correlation/relationship.

    Let's double-check Sense 7's example: "positive increase in graduating students". This is a bit clunky, but it points toward the direction of change.

    Wait, let's look at Sense 9 again. "greater than zero". If the difference is a "positive function", it could mean the result of the function is always positive. But the context "Put more simply... [they] are looked on more kindly... when the prisoner's sentence is more severe" strongly suggests the *relationship* is positive.

    Actually, looking at WordNet's structure (which these senses are based on), Sense 7 often covers the "positive" in "positive correlation" or "positive slope".

    Let's re-evaluate Sense 7: "reckoned, situated or tending in the direction which naturally or arbitrarily is taken to indicate increase or progress or onward motion".
    This fits the "positive relationship" meaning perfectly.

    Sense 9 is strictly about the value being $> 0$.

    Therefore, Sense 7 is the best fit.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: function
Target surface form: function
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive <t>function</t> of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=function%1:07:00:: | definition=what something is used for | synonyms=purpose, role, use | examples=the function of an auger is to bore holes; ballet is beautiful but what use is it?
2. sense_key=function%1:04:00:: | definition=the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group | synonyms=office, part, role | examples=the function of a teacher; the government must do its part
3. sense_key=function%1:11:00:: | definition=a vaguely specified social event | synonyms=affair, occasion, social occasion, social function | examples=the party was quite an affair; an occasion arranged to honor the president
4. sense_key=function%1:14:00:: | definition=a formal or official social gathering or ceremony | examples=it was a black-tie function
5. sense_key=function%1:24:00:: | definition=(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function) | synonyms=mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping
6. sense_key=function%1:10:00:: | definition=a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program | synonyms=routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure
7. sense_key=function%1:24:01:: | definition=a relation such that one thing is dependent on another | examples=height is a function of age; price is a function of supply and demand

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 7}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `function`
    *   Target surface form: `function`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive <t>function</t> of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state..."
    *   Key phrase: "a positive function of [variable]"

    *   Sense 1: what something is used for (purpose, role, use).
    *   Sense 2: actions/activities assigned to a person/group (office, part, role).
    *   Sense 3: vaguely specified social event (affair, occasion).
    *   Sense 4: formal or official social gathering (ceremony).
    *   Sense 5: (mathematics) a mathematical relation (domain/range).
    *   Sense 6: computer program sequence (routine, subroutine).
    *   Sense 7: a relation such that one thing is dependent on another (e.g., "height is a function of age").

    *   The sentence describes a relationship between two variables: "the difference between popular votes..." and "how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state".
    *   The phrase "positive function of" indicates that as one variable increases, the other also increases (or changes in a predictable way).
    *   This matches Sense 7: "a relation such that one thing is dependent on another" with the example "height is a function of age".

    *   Sense 5 is specifically about the mathematical definition (domain/range).
    *   Sense 7 is the more general application of that concept to describe dependency/relation between variables in a non-strictly mathematical (though often quantitative) context.
    *   The context "positive function of" is a classic way of expressing dependency.

    *   Sense 7 fits perfectly.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: burden
Target surface form: burden
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax <t>burden</t> is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=burden%1:10:00:: | definition=the central meaning or theme of a speech or literary work | synonyms=effect, essence, core, gist
2. sense_key=burden%1:09:01:: | definition=an onerous or difficult concern | synonyms=load, encumbrance, incumbrance, onus | examples=the burden of responsibility; that's a load off my mind
3. sense_key=burden%1:06:01:: | definition=weight to be borne or conveyed | synonyms=load, loading
4. sense_key=burden%1:09:00:: | definition=the central idea that is expanded in a document or discourse

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 2}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 2}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `burden`
    *   Target surface form: `burden`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax <t>burden</t> is per state..."
    *   Candidate senses:
        1.  `burden%1:10:00::`: central meaning/theme of a speech/literary work.
        2.  `burden%1:09:01::`: an onerous or difficult concern (e.g., burden of responsibility).
        3.  `burden%1:06:01::`: weight to be borne or conveyed (physical load).
        4.  `burden%1:09:00::`: central idea expanded in a document.

    *   The phrase is "federal government's tax burden".
    *   The adjective "onerous" modifies "tax burden".
    *   "Tax burden" refers to the financial obligation or the weight of taxes imposed on a state/person.

    *   Sense 1: Theme of a speech. (Incorrect)
    *   Sense 2: An onerous or difficult concern (load, encumbrance, onus). This fits the metaphorical "weight" of taxes and the use of the word "onerous".
    *   Sense 3: Physical weight to be borne. (Incorrect - taxes aren't physical weights).
    *   Sense 4: Central idea in a document. (Incorrect).

    *   Sense 2 (`burden%1:09:01::`) defines it as "an onerous or difficult concern" with synonyms like "load, encumbrance, incumbrance, onus".
    *   "Tax burden" is a standard expression for the financial onus placed on taxpayers.

    *   The context uses "onerous", which is explicitly mentioned in the definition of sense 2.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: state
Target surface form: state
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per <t>state</t> -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=state%1:14:00:: | definition=a politically organized body of people under a single government | synonyms=nation, country, land, commonwealth, res publica, body politic | examples=the state has elected a new president; African nations
2. sense_key=state%1:14:01:: | definition=the group of people comprising the government of a sovereign state | examples=the state has lowered its income tax
3. sense_key=state%1:26:01:: | definition=a state of depression or agitation | examples=he was in such a state you just couldn't reason with him
4. sense_key=state%1:15:01:: | definition=the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation | synonyms=province | examples=his state is in the deep south
5. sense_key=state%1:14:02:: | definition=the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies | synonyms=Department of State, United States Department of State, State Department, DoS | examples=the Department of State was created in 1789
6. sense_key=state%1:15:00:: | definition=the territory occupied by a nation | synonyms=country, land | examples=he returned to the land of his birth; he visited several European countries
7. sense_key=state%1:03:00:: | definition=the way something is with respect to its main attributes | examples=the current state of knowledge; his state of health
8. sense_key=state%1:26:02:: | definition=(chemistry) the three traditional states of matter are solids (fixed shape and volume) and liquids (fixed volume and shaped by the container) and gases (filling the container) | synonyms=state of matter | examples=the solid state of water is called ice

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 4}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `state`
    *   Target surface form: `state`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per <t>state</t> -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-."
    *   Key phrases: "senatorial candidates in states", "federal government's tax burden is per state", "higher-income states".

    *   Sense 1: Politically organized body of people under a single government (nation/country).
    *   Sense 2: The group of people comprising the government of a sovereign state.
    *   Sense 3: State of depression or agitation.
    *   Sense 4: Territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation (province).
    *   Sense 5: US Department of State.
    *   Sense 6: Territory occupied by a nation (country/land).
    *   Sense 7: The way something is (condition).
    *   Sense 8: State of matter (chemistry).

    *   The context mentions "senatorial candidates in states", "federal government's tax burden per state", and "higher-income states".
    *   In the US political system (implied by "Democrats", "Republicans", "House", "Senate", "federal government"), "states" refers to the constituent administrative districts (like California, Texas, etc.).
    *   This matches Sense 4: "the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation | synonyms=province | examples=his state is in the deep south".

    *   Sense 1 (nation) is too broad; the text distinguishes between the federal government and the states.
    *   Sense 6 (country) is similar to Sense 1.
    *   Sense 4 specifically refers to the sub-national administrative units.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: progressive
Target surface form: progressive
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a <t>progressive</t> tax rate hits higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=progressive%5:00:00:active:02 | definition=advancing in severity | examples=progressive paralysis
2. sense_key=progressive%5:00:00:liberal:00 | definition=favoring or promoting reform (often by government action) | synonyms=reformist, reform-minded
3. sense_key=progressive%5:00:00:increasing:00 | definition=gradually advancing in extent
4. sense_key=progressive%3:00:01:: | definition=favoring or promoting progress | examples=progressive schools
5. sense_key=progressive%5:00:00:ordered:00 | definition=(of a card game or a dance) involving a series of sections for which the participants successively change place or relative position | examples=progressive euchre; progressive tournaments
6. sense_key=progressive%3:00:02:: | definition=(of taxes) adjusted so that the rate increases as the amount of income increases

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 6}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 6}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `progressive`
    *   Target surface form: `progressive`
    *   Context: "...a <t>progressive</t> tax rate hits higher - income states harder..."
    *   Candidate senses:
        1.  `progressive%5:00:00:active:02`: advancing in severity (e.g., progressive paralysis)
        2.  `progressive%5:00:00:liberal:00`: favoring or promoting reform (reformist)
        3.  `progressive%5:00:00:increasing:00`: gradually advancing in extent
        4.  `progressive%3:00:01::`: favoring or promoting progress (e.g., progressive schools)
        5.  `progressive%5:00:00:ordered:00`: (card game/dance) involving a series of sections
        6.  `progressive%3:00:02::`: (of taxes) adjusted so that the rate increases as the amount of income increases

    *   The word "progressive" modifies "tax rate".
    *   The phrase is "a progressive tax rate hits higher - income states harder".
    *   This specifically refers to a taxation system where the tax rate increases as the taxable amount (income) increases.

    *   Sense 1: Severity (medical/disease) - No.
    *   Sense 2: Political reform - No.
    *   Sense 3: Gradually advancing in extent - Too general.
    *   Sense 4: Promoting progress - No.
    *   Sense 5: Card game/dance - No.
    *   Sense 6: (of taxes) adjusted so that the rate increases as the amount of income increases - Yes, this is the exact definition of a progressive tax.

    *   The context "progressive tax rate" matches Sense 6 perfectly.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: hit
Target surface form: hits
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate <t>hits</t> higher - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=hit%2:38:02:: | definition=drive something violently into a location | synonyms=strike | examples=he hit his fist on the table; she struck her head on the low ceiling
2. sense_key=hit%2:38:07:: | definition=reach a point in time, or a certain state or level | synonyms=reach, attain | examples=The thermometer hit 100 degrees; This car can reach a speed of 140 miles per hour
3. sense_key=hit%2:35:00:: | definition=deal a blow to, either with the hand or with an instrument | examples=He hit her hard in the face
4. sense_key=hit%2:35:02:: | definition=produce by manipulating keys or strings of musical instruments, also metaphorically | synonyms=strike | examples=The pianist strikes a middle C; strike `z' on the keyboard
5. sense_key=hit%2:39:00:: | definition=cause to experience suddenly | synonyms=strike, come to | examples=Panic struck me; An interesting idea hit her
6. sense_key=hit%2:40:05:: | definition=encounter by chance | synonyms=stumble | examples=I stumbled across a long-lost cousin last night in a restaurant
7. sense_key=hit%2:33:03:: | definition=hit the intended target or goal
8. sense_key=hit%2:32:12:: | definition=pay unsolicited and usually unwanted sexual attention to | examples=He tries to hit on women in bars
9. sense_key=hit%2:41:00:: | definition=kill intentionally and with premeditation | synonyms=murder, slay, dispatch, bump off, off, polish off | examples=The mafia boss ordered his enemies murdered
10. sense_key=hit%2:35:01:: | definition=hit against; come into sudden contact with | synonyms=strike, impinge on, run into, collide with | examples=The car hit a tree; He struck the table with his elbow
11. sense_key=hit%2:35:03:: | definition=cause to move by striking | examples=hit a ball
12. sense_key=hit%2:35:05:: | definition=affect or afflict suddenly, usually adversely | synonyms=strike | examples=We were hit by really bad weather; He was stricken with cancer when he was still a teenager
13. sense_key=hit%2:33:01:: | definition=hit with a missile from a weapon | synonyms=shoot, pip
14. sense_key=hit%2:34:00:: | definition=consume to excess | examples=hit the bottle
15. sense_key=hit%2:38:00:: | definition=reach a destination, either real or abstract | synonyms=reach, make, attain, arrive at, gain | examples=We hit Detroit by noon; The water reached the doorstep
16. sense_key=hit%2:33:00:: | definition=make a strategic, offensive, assault against an enemy, opponent, or a target | synonyms=strike | examples=The Germans struck Poland on Sept. 1, 1939; We must strike the enemy's oil fields
17. sense_key=hit%2:33:02:: | definition=gain points in a game | synonyms=score, tally, rack up | examples=The home team scored many times; He hit a home run

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

raw_output:
```json
{"sense_index": 12}
```

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 12}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `hit`
    *   Target surface form: `hits`
    *   Context: "...a progressive tax rate <t>hits</t> higher - income states harder..."
    *   Meaning: In this context, "hits" refers to the adverse effect of a progressive tax rate on higher-income states. It means the tax rate affects them more severely or negatively.

    *   1: drive something violently into a location (physical strike) - No.
    *   2: reach a point in time, or a certain state or level (reach/attain) - No.
    *   3: deal a blow to (physical strike) - No.
    *   4: produce by manipulating keys/strings (musical) - No.
    *   5: cause to experience suddenly (panic/idea) - No.
    *   6: encounter by chance (stumble) - No.
    *   7: hit the intended target or goal - No.
    *   8: pay unsolicited sexual attention - No.
    *   9: kill intentionally (murder) - No.
    *   10: hit against; come into sudden contact with (physical collision) - No.
    *   11: cause to move by striking (hit a ball) - No.
    *   12: affect or afflict suddenly, usually adversely (strike) - Examples: "hit by really bad weather", "stricken with cancer". This fits the idea of an adverse effect.
    *   13: hit with a missile from a weapon - No.
    *   14: consume to excess (hit the bottle) - No.
    *   15: reach a destination - No.
    *   16: make a strategic, offensive assault - No.
    *   17: gain points in a game - No.

    *   The phrase "a progressive tax rate hits higher-income states harder" means the tax rate has a negative impact on those states.
    *   Sense 12: "affect or afflict suddenly, usually adversely". While "suddenly" might not be the perfect fit for a tax rate (which is a systemic policy), "affect or afflict... adversely" is the closest match among all the options. In economic or political contexts, "hit" is frequently used to mean "adversely affect" (e.g., "the recession hit the middle class hard").

    *   Sense 12 is the only one that deals with adverse effects/affliction.


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: high
Target surface form: higher
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits <t>higher</t> - income states harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=high%5:00:00:malodorous:00 | definition=(used of the smell of meat) smelling spoiled or tainted | synonyms=gamey, gamy
2. sense_key=high%5:00:00:superior:01 | definition=standing above others in quality or position | synonyms=eminent | examples=people in high places; the high priest
3. sense_key=high%5:00:00:elated:00 | definition=happy and excited and energetic | synonyms=in high spirits
4. sense_key=high%3:00:02:: | definition=greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount | examples=a high temperature; a high price
5. sense_key=high%5:00:00:intoxicated:00 | definition=slightly and pleasantly intoxicated from alcohol or a drug (especially marijuana) | synonyms=mellow
6. sense_key=high%3:00:01:: | definition=(literal meaning) being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation or upward extension (sometimes used in combinations like `knee-high') | examples=a high mountain; high ceilings
7. sense_key=high%3:00:03:: | definition=used of sounds and voices; high in pitch or frequency | synonyms=high-pitched

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 4}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `high`
    *   Target surface form: `higher`
    *   Context: "...a progressive tax rate hits <t>higher</t> - income states harder..."
    *   Meaning: In this context, "higher-income states" refers to states with a greater amount of income.

    *   Sense 1: `malodorous` (smelling spoiled) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 2: `superior` (standing above others in quality or position) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 3: `elated` (happy and excited) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 4: `greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount` (e.g., high temperature, high price) - This fits "higher-income" (greater amount of income).
    *   Sense 5: `intoxicated` (alcohol or drug) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 6: `literal meaning` (elevation/upward extension) - Incorrect.
    *   Sense 7: `sounds and voices` (pitch or frequency) - Incorrect.

    *   The phrase "higher-income states" describes states where the amount of income is greater.
    *   Sense 4 specifically mentions "greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount" and gives examples like "high price," which is analogous to "high income."


[System] You are an English linguist performing fine-grained Word Sense Disambiguation. WordNet glosses are schematic. Use the sentence context, the examples, and the synonyms to choose the best indexed sense. Do not hedge. Choose the single best indexed sense.

[User]
Target lemma: state
Target surface form: states
Context:
Second, if the key assumption is valid, Democrats should have lower attendance rates on roll-call votes than Republicans do to the extent that such votes reflect national policy making and that participating in such votes takes away from the time a legislator could otherwise devote to local benefit - seeking. This is indeed what the data indicate, particularly in the case of the House. The Democratic House attendance rate has not exceeded the Republican House attendance rate since 1959. Finally, as shown in the table, Democrats allocate a higher proportion of their personal staffs to district offices -- where local benefit - seeking duties matter more and national policy making activities matter less relative to Washington offices. An examination of changes in personal staffing decisions in the Senate between 1986 and 1987 -LRB- when control of that body changed party hands -RRB-, moreover, reveals that the personal staffing differences noted in the table can not be attributed to the disproportionate control Democrats exercise, due to their majority - party status, over other resources such as committee staff. An additional piece of evidence from the Senate: Holding other factors constant, such as incumbency advantages and regional factors, the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income <t>states</t> harder -RRB-. Put more simply, GOP candidates for president are looked on more kindly by voters than Republican candidates for the Senate when the prisoner's sentence is more severe.

Candidate senses:
1. sense_key=state%1:14:02:: | definition=the federal department in the United States that sets and maintains foreign policies | synonyms=Department of State, United States Department of State, State Department, DoS | examples=the Department of State was created in 1789
2. sense_key=state%1:26:02:: | definition=(chemistry) the three traditional states of matter are solids (fixed shape and volume) and liquids (fixed volume and shaped by the container) and gases (filling the container) | synonyms=state of matter | examples=the solid state of water is called ice
3. sense_key=state%1:26:01:: | definition=a state of depression or agitation | examples=he was in such a state you just couldn't reason with him
4. sense_key=state%1:14:00:: | definition=a politically organized body of people under a single government | synonyms=nation, country, land, commonwealth, res publica, body politic | examples=the state has elected a new president; African nations
5. sense_key=state%1:15:00:: | definition=the territory occupied by a nation | synonyms=country, land | examples=he returned to the land of his birth; he visited several European countries
6. sense_key=state%1:03:00:: | definition=the way something is with respect to its main attributes | examples=the current state of knowledge; his state of health
7. sense_key=state%1:14:01:: | definition=the group of people comprising the government of a sovereign state | examples=the state has lowered its income tax
8. sense_key=state%1:15:01:: | definition=the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation | synonyms=province | examples=his state is in the deep south

Instructions:
1. Choose the single best indexed sense for the target word in context.
2. WordNet glosses are schematic; use the context, synonyms, and examples together.
3. Do not answer with a WordNet sense key.
4. Return only a JSON object exactly like {"sense_index": 3}.

content:
```json
{"sense_index": 8}
```

reasoning_content:
*   Target lemma: `state`
    *   Target surface form: `states`
    *   Context: "...the difference between popular votes for Republican presidential and senatorial candidates in states conducting a Senate election turns out to be a positive function of how onerous the federal government's tax burden is per state -LRB- a progressive tax rate hits higher - income <t>states</t> harder -RRB-."
    *   Key phrases: "senatorial candidates in states", "federal government's tax burden is per state", "higher - income states".

    *   Sense 1: US Department of State (Foreign policy). (Incorrect)
    *   Sense 2: State of matter (Chemistry). (Incorrect)
    *   Sense 3: State of depression/agitation. (Incorrect)
    *   Sense 4: Politically organized body of people (Nation/Country). (Possible, but usually refers to the sovereign entity).
    *   Sense 5: Territory occupied by a nation. (Similar to 4, but more about the land).
    *   Sense 6: Way something is (Condition/Status). (Incorrect)
    *   Sense 7: Government of a sovereign state. (Incorrect)
    *   Sense 8: Territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation (Province). (Correct - refers to US states like California, Texas, etc., which have Senate elections and pay federal taxes).

    *   The text discusses "senatorial candidates in states", "federal government's tax burden... per state", and "higher-income states".
    *   In the US political context, "states" refers to the constituent administrative districts (provinces) of the USA.
    *   Sense 8 specifically defines this: "the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation | synonyms=province".

    *   Sense 4 (Nation) vs Sense 8 (Province/Administrative district).
    *   The context is about the US federal government and its relationship with the individual states (which elect Senators). Therefore, Sense 8 is the precise fit.