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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is an essential tool for maintaining liberty?
(a) Protection of the press.
(b) Protection of the First Amendment.
(c) Freedom of the press.
(d) Freedom of religion.

2. De Tocqueville observes that judges are not elected, but are what?
(a) Endowed.
(b) Appointed.
(c) Installed.
(d) Called.

3. The balancing act that the three branches of government perform on each other is referred to as what?
(a) Checks and balances.
(b) Federalism.
(c) Opposing powers.
(d) Freedom from tyranny.

4. What feeds on ignorance, according to the Puritans' religious views?
(a) The devil.
(b) Stupidity.
(c) Aristocracy.
(d) Democracy.

5. In times of peace, what has more power than the President?
(a) Legislature.
(b) Judiciary.
(c) Executive branch.
(d) Senate.

Short Answer Questions

1. De Tocqueville believes that the democratic writer has less to write about, but the writings are ________, when compared to aristocratic writings.

2. Because the settlers imported most of their technical knowledge, when they got to America they only had to do what?

3. According to de Tocqueville, equality can enable what?

4. When can a judge refuse to enforce a law?

5. De Tocqueville believes that there must be complete freedom of what?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is one of the drawbacks to de Tocqueville's view of the American approach to literature and poetry?

2. According to de Tocqueville, why does the United States only produce journalistic literature?

3. What did the government establish in order to maintain the balance of power between the Confederation and the states when the rights of the states were questioned?

4. De Tocqueville believes that political parties are what to democratic societies?

5. The communities of New England set the foundation of a democratic society based on what?

6. What does equality among the people trigger, in addition to innovation, according to de Tocqueville?

7. Although religion remains out of the realm of politics according to de Tocqueville's observations, what political effect does religion have?

8. Where does the American writer find poetry, according to de Tocqueville's observations?

9. According to de Tocqueville, although the democratic writer might have less to write about, what is the level of importance of what he writes about?

10. What, according to the author, are some of the downsides of democracy?

(see the answer keys)

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