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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Besides appearing to be disloyal to his father when he aligned himself with Jefferson's politics, what other problem arose for John Quincey Adams?
(a) He was forced to change political parties and lose his seniority.
(b) Disillusionment of his party when he broke with them and voted with Jefferson.
(c) His mother becaue distraught that her son and husband did not agree.
(d) He lost his political influence for many months.

2. Why was it considered a contradiction when Houston supported temperance?
(a) He owned a brewery.
(b) He was a heavy drinker.
(c) He made his money in rum running.
(d) His political supporters opposed temperance.

3. What was Webster's justification for accepting political gifts and money?
(a) He shared the gifts with other Senators and Congressmen.
(b) He published his gifts in the newspaper.
(c) He considered them gifts from God and from voters or constituents who Webster believed were created in God's image.
(d) He used everything he collected for his favorite charities.

4. What is the example of some advice Kennedy received when he first became a Congressman?
(a) The way to go is to make your own decisions.
(b) The way to get along is to go along.
(c) Follow the yellow brick road.
(d) Listen and do what the majority are doing.

5. How was Benton's behavior different when he was with his family from when he was involved in politics?
(a) He was always warm and gentle around his family.
(b) He held his family by fear.
(c) He hid his wife's mental illness from the public.
(d) He was easy on political opponents and harsh on his family.

6. According to Kennedy, what makes it difficult to recognize courageous acts when they do occur?
(a) Business concerns and the competition for attention from the public.
(b) Self interest that only looks like courage.
(c) Media bias one way or the other.
(d) The secrecy of most courageous acts.

7. What was the result of Webster's courageous stand in giving the Seventh of March speech?
(a) Webster sacrificed his potential presidential run and his popularity.
(b) Webster changed his position of slavery to agree with Clay.
(c) Webster would have become president but he died 2 years later.
(d) Webster was honored by his constituents as a man of courage.

8. How does Kennedy assess the failure of both Adams presidencies to produce second terms?
(a) Unwillingness to campaign for a second term in office.
(b) Personalities that clased with everyone not of their religion.
(c) Poor choices for their cabinet members.
(d) An unwillingness to compromise on mundane matters of politics.

9. What leader who was at odds with Adams' father did John Quincey find himself agreeing with quite often?
(a) George Washington.
(b) Benjamin Franklin.
(c) Thomas Jefferson.
(d) Alexander Hamilton.

10. What made Sam Houston a household word in the United States?
(a) He ran for president in 1856 but did not win the Democratic nomination.
(b) He was a greater orator than Daniel Webster.
(c) He became known for the Houston knife he invented.
(d) He was leader of the Texas forces that defeated Mexico at the battle of San Jacinto.

11. What effect did Webster's three-hour-long speech in the Senate have in 1850?
(a) It gave the South the idea of secession.
(b) It helped hold off the Civil War for a good ten years.
(c) It rallied the North to declare war on the South.
(d) It made many political allies for Webster.

12. For what conflict does Kennedy feel the most empathy?
(a) The conflict between Congress and the Supreme Court.
(b) The conflict between political parties.
(c) The conflict of special interests versus constituency interests.
(d) The conflict of constituency interest versus national interests.

13. What view did Webster take that made him unpopular with abolitionists?
(a) He was a strong supporter of the Union and believed compromise on slavery was more important than breaking up the nation.
(b) He refused to argue against salvery when he went to the Southern states.
(c) He would not address the subject of slavery because he though it would just go away.
(d) He did not feel that being a part of a Union that allowed slavery in some territories a viable alternative.

14. What is ironic about Houston as an Indian fighter?
(a) It was the only time he was a team player.
(b) He knew nothing about Indians.
(c) He had lived twice with the Cherokee.
(d) He distrusted Andrew Jackson.

15. What was one of Benton's favorite sayings about himself?
(a) Benton always knows what is right.
(b) Benton is a bull in a china shop.
(c) Benton will never compromise.
(d) Benton and Democracy are one and the same.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Kennedy say was a liability about Webster's immense popularity with both sides of the political spectrum?

2. What is another difficult situation for an elected official besides the interests of the nation and those of the constituency?

3. What was the dichotomy concerning John Quincey Adams' father?

4. In terms of service in office of both father and son, what similarity set them apart from presidents before and after them?

5. What does Kennedy see as Webster's moral flaw?

(see the answer keys)

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