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

2. What does Kennedy see as Webster's moral flaw?
(a) Webster was a compulsive gambler.
(b) Webster had no compunction against taking money for political favors.
(c) Webster had many affairs his wife did not know about.
(d) Webster was an alcoholic and often lost track of time.

3. What occurred during a duel that gave Benton a reputation as something of a thug?
(a) He rigged the other pistol so it wouldn't fire.
(b) He killed a U. S. District Attorney.
(c) He had a sniper actually shoot the opponent.
(d) He threw down his gun and beat the man with his fists.

4. What was Daniel Webster known for during his lifetime?
(a) As a writer of fiction.
(b) As a politician who opposed any kind of compromise.
(c) As a particularly eloquent speaker.
(d) As a squeaky voiced speaker.

5. For what prestigious university did Adams once work as a professor?
(a) Princeton.
(b) Dartmouth.
(c) Harvard.
(d) Yale.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who served as the Governor of Tennessee and later as Senator from the State of Texas?

2. How does Kennedy characterize the difficult position of the elected official?

3. How does Kennedy assess the failure of both Adams presidencies to produce second terms?

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

5. What was Webster's justification for accepting political gifts and money?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why was it so easy for him to go and live with the Indians?

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

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

5. What interesting historical distinction did Adams and his father share in regards to their Presidencies?

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

7. Describe Benton's leaving Tennessee early in his life.

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

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

10. What metaphor does Kennedy use illustrating the elected official and constituency relationship?

(see the answer keys)

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