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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 11, The South, Chapter 12, History.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What comparison does Mencken make between man and animal in Chapter 1?
(a) The only thing man cannot do that animal can is fly.
(b) The faculties of animal and man precisely balance when taken as a whole.
(c) Many animals have superior faculties to man.
(d) Man in every way has faculties that are superior to animals.

3. What kind of men has history been written by, to date?
(a) Men more interested in power than factual accuracy.
(b) The most intelligent men, and this is why history cannot be understood by most.
(c) Noble men of purpose.
(d) Third-rate, inferior men.

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

5. What is Mencken's hope for democracy?
(a) It may lead to monarchy someday.
(b) It is a self-limiting disease.
(c) It will finally deliver much-needed assistance to the poor.
(d) Mencken has absolutely no hope for democracy.

Short Answer Questions

1. What effect has intermarriage had on the American South?

2. In "female novels," how are males portrayed according to Mencken?

3. What is Man's one unique characteristic, per Chapter 1?

4. What was the most damning effect of the Civil War, in regard to the South?

5. What is Mencken's opinion of the American South?

(see the answer key)

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