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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. O'Rourke points out that the manual for what automobile is 4 times as long as the U.S. Constitution?

2. How does O'Rourke describe a day when Congress is not even in session?

3. "Runaway car syndrome" is a situation where a vehicle spontaneously does what?

4. A high school textbook refers to what document as "a living document"?

5. What television program ran a story about "runaway car syndrome" in an Audi model?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does O'Rourke think about the modern high school civics text book?

2. Who does O'Rourke blame for the perceived poor state of the nation, and who does he let off the hook?

3. Describe O'Rourke's experience with the Young Americans Ball.

4. How does O'Rourke feel about the concept of political conventions?

5. How does O'Rourke feel that consumer advocates compel increased bureaucracy?

6. How does O'Rourke describe the Republican and Democratic platforms during the 1988 elections?

7. How does O'Rourke feel that the American political system is like a Mexican Christmas fiesta?

8. How does O'Rourke depict Washington journalists?

9. How does O'Rourke explain what the Democrats and Republicans believe in?

10. How does O'Rourke describe the Democratic National Convention?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore the significance of Michael Dukakis in the book. How does O'Rourke use Dukakis' past experience as governor to mock him? What problems did he see with the way Dukakis led? What problems did he see with the promises Dukakis made to the U.S. citizens?

Essay Topic 2

Explore the title of O'Rourke's book. Who is he referring to when he speaks of the "parliament of whores"? Who are the "whores," and why does he use this word to describe this group? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Explore the author's feelings about the Republican and Democratic parties. How does he characterize Republicans and their ideals? How does he characterize Democrats and their ideals? What characteristic do the parties share? What faults does he find with each party? Does he say anything positive about each party?

(see the answer keys)

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