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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Kennedy suggest prevents a lot of people from acting courageously?
(a) Not enough education about courage.
(b) Fear of the unknown.
(c) Averice and greed.
(d) Social and public pressures.

2. What Webster speech in the Senate became known by the date it was given?
(a) The Christmas Day speech.
(b) The First of January speech.
(c) The Seventh of March speech.
(d) The Independence Day speech.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is an irony of Benton's opposition to the slave states?

2. In a speech, how did Houston justify his right to deliver an address in a Texas town where he had been turned away from the courthouse?

3. What made Sam Houston a household word in the United States?

4. What were Benton's most effective weapons as a fighter?

5. What metaphor does Kennedy use to describe the relationship between the elected official and the electorate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Discus the results of Benton's not voting for the annexation of Texas.

2. Was Houston able to prevent Texas from seceding from the Union?

3. Relate how Benton survived an attempt on his life by another senator.

4. What courageous belief did Webster demonstrate by speaking out for the 1850 Compromise?

5. What personal weakness does Kennedy point out about John Quincey Adams?

6. Write down the epithet that testified to the intelligence of Thomas Hart Benton.

7. What does Kennedy point out as interesting about letter John Quincey wrote at ages nine and forty-five?

8. What courageous vote did Houston cast that was unpopular with his constituents in Texas?

9. Detail the important political positions held by Sam Houston.

10. Relate two important firsts for Senator Thomas Hart Benton.

(see the answer keys)

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