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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. Why does Mencken praise doctors in Chapter 16?
(a) They have wonderful gadgets that are endlessly fascinating.
(b) A professional class like doctors can create a new American aristocracy.
(c) They do a great deal of good for poor people.
(d) They are charlatans, but they know how to play the game.

2. What is the problem with trying to punishment a government for not working well?
(a) Punishing the government will lead to revenge tactics.
(b) Voting is usually rigged.
(c) The government itself is in control of the means of punishment.
(d) There are too many bureaucracies and it is impossible to determine who to punish.

3. What was Mencken's opinion of New Deal programs?
(a) They imbued average Americans with a rugged individual spirit.
(b) They were theoretically dubious, but worked okay in practice.
(c) They were disastrous in practice.
(d) They were great boons to mankind.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What year did the New Deal programs begin?

2. What was Roosevelt's team of political advisers popularly called?

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

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

5. Which is NOT one of the negative effects Mencken mentions in regards to Prohibition?

(see the answer key)

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