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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who has a reputation as being the unofficial fourth branch of government?
(a) The American people.
(b) The residents of Washington, D.C.
(c) The Green party.
(d) The media.

2. What platform did O'Rourke say the Republicans ran on in 1988?
(a) The Sweet-Little-Sister platform.
(b) The Strict-Mom platform.
(c) The Dumb-Old-Dad platform.
(d) The Over-Protective-Brother platform.

3. O'Rourke recalls shadowing whom for a day?
(a) A congressman.
(b) A president.
(c) A lobbyist.
(d) A press secretary.

4. When O'Rourke paints a cynical picture of the concept of "majority rule," what does he say that all pants will be made of?
(a) Wool.
(b) Khaki.
(c) Denim.
(d) Twill.

5. Which Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gives women the right to vote?
(a) The 19th.
(b) The 12th.
(c) The 4th.
(d) The 8th.

6. O'Rourke comes to the conclusion that the president's role in government is largely symbolic after referring to a presidential agenda from what day?
(a) July 25, 1990.
(b) December 31, 1988.
(c) May 13, 1991.
(d) April 4, 1989.

7. How did O'Rourke describe Reagan's social programs?
(a) Heartless.
(b) Luke warm.
(c) Genius.
(d) Sympathetic.

8. Who did O'Rourke credit with George H. W. Bush's meteoric rise to popularity?
(a) His overzealous fans.
(b) The media.
(c) School teachers.
(d) His wife.

9. How often does the press secretary at the White House field questions from the media?
(a) Once a week.
(b) Twice a day.
(c) Once a day.
(d) Every other day.

10. Who was the presidential candidate for the Republicans when O'Rourke visited the political conventions of both parties?
(a) Bush.
(b) Dukakis.
(c) Reagan.
(d) Carter.

11. In what year did a flag desecration case take place?
(a) 1989.
(b) 1990.
(c) 1991.
(d) 1988.

12. O'Rourke begins "Protectors of a Blameless Citizenry: The Bureaucracy" by talking about what government department?
(a) Agricultural.
(b) Transportation.
(c) State.
(d) Education.

13. Who referred to lukewarm political relationships as "kiss on the lips but no tongue"?
(a) Matthew Reed.
(b) Adam Neal.
(c) Fred Barnes.
(d) Stephen Kerr.

14. O'Rourke says the Republican convention had the intellectual content of song lyrics by what band?
(a) Van Halen.
(b) Guns n' Roses.
(c) Poison.
(d) White Snake.

15. What political party did Lloyd Bentsen belong to?
(a) Green.
(b) Libertarian.
(c) Democratic.
(d) Republican.

Short Answer Questions

1. Seeing the strange collection of tourists, journalists, and protesters, O'Rourke contemplated that Washington really needs what?

2. What nickname did O'Rourke give to the generation that was attending high school when his book was written?

3. For how long has an agency had to deal with "runaway car syndrome"?

4. What was the name of the foundation that set up a commission to study the electorate?

5. Who does O'Rourke believe increases bureaucracy by forcing the government to address people's frivolous complaints?

(see the answer keys)

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