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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. How does Mencken define government?
(a) A collection of the looniest among us.
(b) A war on the poor.
(c) A dozen men who can't do anything right.
(d) A conspiracy against superior men.

2. What is the chief problem with political theorists?
(a) They have little sense of history.
(b) They attempt to dignify the political order of their day.
(c) They hate politics in general.
(d) They are too antagonistic to the current political system.

3. Why does Mencken criticize the American Medical Association?
(a) For supporting a bunch of quack science.
(b) For making it too easy to become a doctor.
(c) For turning down his membership application.
(d) For making it too difficult to become a doctor.

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

5. According to Chapter 16, which political system is responsible for the majority of civilization as we know it?
(a) Socialism.
(b) Capitalism.
(c) Dictatorship.
(d) Oligarchy.

Short Answer Questions

1. Privately, politicians are what kind of people?

2. What is the "average man's" opinion of government?

3. Why might "reflective and skeptical men" refrain from suicide?

4. What BEST characterizes Mencken's view of the townspeople involved in the Scopes Monkey Trial?

5. What kind of promises do politicians make?

(see the answer key)

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