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

2. Why was John Quincey Adams generally unhappy?

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

4. Who suggested that Senators were vulgar demagogues?

5. What well-known military leader had Houston served under?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What advice was Kennedy given when he first went to Congress?

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

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

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

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

9. If Webster's popularity was an asset, how does Kennedy point out that it was also a liability?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write a paper about a great example of political compromise in the history of the world. (You choose the topic.)

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay on your personal idea of courage. Use some example from your life or that you know about personally.

Essay Topic 3

Interview and write about a fireman who has faced serious danger.

(see the answer keys)

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