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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 were Benton's most effective weapons as a fighter?
(a) Wit and sarcasm.
(b) Knives and bull whips.
(c) Friends and relatives.
(d) Guns and canons.

2. What is Kennedy's third pressure that he feels is the most damaging?
(a) Making decisions when a fellow Senator or Congressman needs to get a pet project going.
(b) Making decisions that will satisfy everyone in one way or another.
(c) Making decisions when you do not have enough information to make good ones.
(d) Making decisions when to satisfy a constituancy will not be what is best for the nation.

3. Although thought of as a crazy politician, what did John F. Kennedy see as a mark of courage in the man?
(a) His stance on big government over states' rights.
(b) He would do what he thought was right regardless of his party or his popularity.
(c) He would stand up in the Senate without a gun.
(d) He would do whatever was necessary to get re-elected.

4. Why did Thomas Hart Benton get the nickname of Old Bullion?
(a) His silver mines in Missouri.
(b) His gold plated sign on his office door.
(c) His greed for money.
(d) His advocacy for hard currency.

5. Why did Benton oppose the treaty of annexation of Texas?
(a) Because he disliked Sam Houston.
(b) Because Texas was too big.
(c) Because Texas would cost too much money.
(d) Because of his commitment to the Union.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Kennedy, what makes it difficult to recognize courageous acts when they do occur?

2. What was so strange about Henry Clay's enlisting Webster in his cause for compromise?

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

4. In addition to being the first Senator from Missouri, what other first did Benton achieve?

5. What do the subject of PROFILES IN COURAGE all have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. What surprising victory did Houston win after being dismissed from the Senate?

2. What was the irony of John Quincey's taking sides with Jefferson against his father?

3. What are the three pressures Kennedy identifies for any elected official?

4. Aside from being Senator from Massachusetts, what was Daniel Webster known for?

5. What does Kennedy have to say about political organizations that have the time and resources to mount letter writing campaigns?

6. Why was Henry Clay taking a chance when he enlisted Webster to help with passing the 1850 Compromise?

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

8. What great stand did Webster take against the wishes of his abolitionist constituents?

9. How did Sen. Benton get his reputation as a fighter?

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

(see the answer keys)

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