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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. Amongst the British, ________ were one of the categories of members of society who were actively seeking increased rights, responsibilities and liberties within the nations of the Empire, particularly on the isles of Britain herself.

2. In this chapter Mill examines what?

3. Where did John Stuart's father loom large in relevance during John Stuart's earliest years?

4. What altered who could be citizens and who hoped to be, or to become so?

5. There was a great movement toward greater _____________ for the peoples of Europe.

Short Essay Questions

1. How can one learn by expressing one's opinion?

2. How is this author considered a philosopher?

3. How is tyranny a threat to democracy?

4. Why is it rare that one has complete freedom as long as one does not oppress or oppose the will of others?

5. What is one goal of the education system in the Middle Ages?

6. What does the author say about tyranny?

7. What is said about Aristotle regarding tyranny in this chapter?

8. What does Mill say about the beliefs that one opposes?

9. What does the author discuss regarding controlling people?

10. Why does the author put the idea of liberty into historical context? Does he confine his criticism to Great Britain?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The ability to express one's opinions is powerful.

Part 1) Why is the ability to express one's opinion powerful?

Part 2) How has the author backed this claim with previous discussions and evidence?

Part 3) How is the ability to express one's opinion important to you? How has this freedom affected your life directly?

Essay Topic 2

John Stuart Mill is a home-schooled philosopher.

Part 1) Describe Mill's education. How has his education prepared him for his future as a journalist and civil rights advocate?

Part 2) Compare his education to you own. What aspects of each do you believe are beneficial? Why?

Part 3) If his education had been different or non-existent, how might this have changed his life? So, how influential was his education on his life's work?

Essay Topic 3

Freedom of speech can enhance life for everyone.

Part 1) Why does Mill believe freedom of speech can enhance life?

Part 2) Compare a culture, such as our own, with one that does not allow for such freedoms of speech. How does your comparison support Mill's belief about the power of the freedom of speech?

Part 3) how have you used your freedom of speech? What might your life be like without this freedom?

(see the answer keys)

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