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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 visited the Department of Transportation and was surprised to discover that many of the workers were fans of what?

2. What newspaper called Dan Quayle an "avid reader" of "real live books"?

3. For which presidential candidate did Lloyd Bentsen run as vice president?

4. How did O'Rourke describe Reagan's social programs?

5. Who was the presidential candidate for the Republicans when O'Rourke visited the political conventions of both parties?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does O'Rourke feel about the Democratic speeches given during a visit to the House of Representatives?

3. What did Ted Kennedy mean when he said "Where was George?"

4. What did a study show about the Audi 500 and its supposed runaway car syndrome?

5. How does O'Rourke feel about Jesse Jackson's speech, which he watched from his hotel room?

6. How does O'Rourke suppose that most Americans feel about the United States government?

7. Why does O'Rourke say that George H. W. Bush's popularity plummeted?

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

9. Describe the world O'Rourke envisions when he points out the flaws of the "majority rules" system.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explore O'Rourke's view of special interest groups. What does the author dislike about special interest groups? How does he characterize them? How does he characterize the people who are involved in them? What specific groups does he talk about? What problems does he see with them? What role does he believe special interest groups play in the politics?

Essay Topic 2

Look at the significance of Jesse Jackson. What characteristics did O'Rourke see in Jackson that he was impressed by? What techniques does the author use to show that he is impressed by Jackson? Why does the author mention Jackson? What is he trying to say about him and about politicians in general?

Essay Topic 3

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?

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