View a FREE sample

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 is the proper function of punishment for crimes?
(a) To create a sense of false dignity in society.
(b) As a deterrent, but also more.
(c) As a deterrent only.
(d) As a mere incentivizing device.

2. Who rules American culture, according to Chapter 10?
(a) Psychologists and doctors.
(b) The uncivilized mob.
(c) Quacks such as chiropractors.
(d) The learned aristocracy.

3. How has Mencken organized his book?
(a) By length.
(b) By author.
(c) By date.
(d) By subject.

4. Why is Mencken unable to embrace democratic political theory, as he himself states it in Chapter 9?
(a) He is simply too cultured and sophisticated.
(b) He is incapable of being envious of others.
(c) He is morally superior to democrats.
(d) He is not poor, and so cannot see democracy's benefits.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What or who rules the American South?

2. What is the purpose of monogamy, according to Mencken?

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

4. What period in history does Mencken refer to as "New Deal No. 1"?

5. What is the problem with trying to punishment a government for not working well?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 338 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample