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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 9, Democracy, Chapter 10, Americans.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the "average man's" opinion of government?
(a) The government is made up of people like him.
(b) The government is deceitful and contrary to his interests.
(c) The government is an unknown phenomenon the average man knows nothing about.
(d) The government is a source of great good.

2. What is Mencken's opinion of the belief that man has a soul, according to Chapter 1?
(a) The notion of a soul has failed to result in more people acting like God.
(b) The notion of a soul has led to unprecedented successes in philosophy and elsewhere.
(c) The notion of a soul is simple, but still very relevant today.
(d) The notion of a soul is humanity's one bright spot.

3. What does the "believer" type of person inevitably do?
(a) Betrays friends as well as lovers.
(b) Thinks they are better than everyone.
(c) Maintains a faith in the improbable.
(d) Annoys the company he or she is with.

4. What aspect of human nature fuels the democratic system of government?
(a) Envy.
(b) Murderous violence.
(c) Charity.
(d) Grace.

5. What was the goal of early democratists?
(a) Definitions of concepts like truth and beauty.
(b) Concrete material gains.
(c) Philosophical frameworks to support democracy.
(d) The overthrow of the wealthy.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which is NOT one of Mencken's view of humankind as expressed in Chapter 1?

2. What is the fundamental flaw of the democratic style of government?

3. What does the "romantic" type of person inevitably do?

4. Who does Mencken dub "The Lady of Joy"?

5. How does Mencken characterize a woman's level of civility?

(see the answer key)

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