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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Whom did Bobby Kennedy refer to as "the most decent man in the Senate?"

2. What did Eagleton refuse to disclose to the public and to his own party?

3. In "September," what does Thompson name as being the real problem behind the shrinking middle class?

4. How does Thompson describe the unity sought by the journalists who indulged in some of the more raucous behaviors?

5. In the author's discussion of the ethos of American politics, what is perception?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the book turn into a series of dialogues and monologues after Chapter 11?

2. What does Thompson mean when he says American politics are based on "perception and reality?"

3. How does Thompson describe the passengers of Dakota Queen II?

4. Describe Thompson's thoughts on the Yin/Yang in regards to Nixon and McGovern.

5. What are Thompson's opinions on what Americans want from their leaders?

6. How did passengers on the Zoo plane keep the politicians from boarding?

7. How does Thompson describe the drug use among the other journalists?

8. In "November Concluded," what stories did Thompson tell about one of the female journalists?

9. Why does the public find Mankowiecz so unsettling?

10. What are some ways the author and his colleagues pass time on the airplane?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the difficulties faced by the Democratic party in this campaign in the following format:

Part 1) Vietnam War.

Part 2) John F. and Robert Kennedy.

Part 3) Eagleton's mental health history and resignation.

Part 4) Nixon's inner circle of people.

Part 5) The lack of unity amongst the candidates.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your answers.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Hunter S. Thompson's sense of being socially awkward around the other journalists in the following format:

Part 1) His employer.

Part 2) His drug use.

Part 3) His attire and roots.

Part 4) His attitudes about other politicians.

Part 5) His relationships with the other journalists.

Cite specific examples from the text to support your arguments.

Essay Topic 3

According to Thompson, why is the Chinese symbolism of Yin/Yang important to the 1972 election? How does he define "yin?" How does he define "yang?" How does he apply these concepts to McGovern and Nixon? In what ways does Thompson note that this is part of the pendulum swing in American politics? How is the public support of Nixon indicative of McGovern's policies in 1972?

(see the answer keys)

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