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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 23, Souvenirs of a Journalist, Chapter 24, Criticism.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Mencken's opinion about the variety of political systems?
(a) Aristocracy is by far the worst form of government.
(b) Dictatorship is preferable to oligarchy.
(c) All governments accomplish the same thing and there are very little differences.
(d) Different political systems accomplish vastly different things.

2. What year did the New Deal programs begin?
(a) 1945.
(b) 1919.
(c) 1939.
(d) 1933.

3. What is "one of the most valuable human possessions" according to Mencken in Chapter 16?
(a) Dignity.
(b) The ability to do simple math.
(c) The reputation of being rich.
(d) Spatial awareness.

4. What quality makes for the best literary critic, according to Chapter 24?
(a) Advancing a personal agenda or doctrine.
(b) Accuracy and a need to refute error.
(c) Adhering to a specific philosophical system.
(d) The goal to create a work of art.

5. What was "unusual" about Mr. Gray?
(a) He was electrocuted to death.
(b) He was a victim of leprosy.
(c) He could not remember faces.
(d) He refused to give his real name to Mencken.

Short Answer Questions

1. What "call" does Mencken make to America's poets in Chapter 7?

2. Sister Aimee was an evangelist in what branch of Christian religion?

3. Mencken sees that too often any discussion of suicide is rooted in what incorrect notion?

4. What is the chief problem with political theorists?

5. Privately, politicians are what kind of people?

(see the answer key)

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