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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. How long had the shortest presidential term been to date?

2. What language did Teddy learn when he was 60?

3. Which floor was referred to as the "Teddy Wing?"

4. Who has a meeting with Pratt?

5. What is a "specchio?"

Short Essay Questions

1. Where does the government send Backman? Who is Backman's "handler?"

2. What does Backman do shortly after arriving in Treviso?

3. Who is Duke Mongo? Why is his pardon such a huge controversy?

4. Explain Backman's opinion of the first day in Bologna. What does he do?

5. Discuss Mrs. Critz's doubts about her husband's death. Does she know how and why her husband died? Does she tell anyone about her suspicions?

6. What is Backman's cover story? What is his new identity?

7. How does Luigi propose Backman deal with the language barrier? What will Backman tell the locals about his lack of knowledge about the language?

8. Who is Teddy Maynard? Why is he an important figure in the story? What is Maynard's relationship with the President?

9. It is never clear to Backman who Luigi is or who he works for in the US. Who does Luigi work for and to whom does he report?

10. What obstacles does Critz run into when he attempts to get information on Backman? Who does he contact?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a major shift in the demeanor and personality of Joel Backman throughout the story. Before Backman's arrest, he was referred to as being the second most powerful man in Washington. Backman was extremely rich, cunning, and smug. In Backman's mind he was untouchable. Discuss how Backman's attitude changed drastically when he went to the Rudley Federal Correction Facility. What was the biggest change? What precipitated the change? Did Backman's personality change or was it simply a reaction to the circumstances? Also examine how Backman changed once again after he made the deal with the Pentagon.

Essay Topic 2

Write a journal from the point of view of Teddy Maynard. Begin with the plan to release Backman. Include the details of the plan, how Maynard orchestrated the deal, the desired confession, Morgan's role in the story, Javier's assistance, etc. Also include Maynard's thoughts after he was fired and what his plans are for the future.

Essay Topic 3

Many different agencies play a part in the story. There are several from foreign countries such as England, Israel, Iraq, and China. The American agencies include the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Justice Department, the National Security Administration (NSA), the Pentagon, the White House, and some that remain unnamed. Write a description of each agency, what it does, and why it is involved in the Backman and/or JAM situation. Also discuss which are also involved in the bribe scandal. Choose two to compare and contrast for a better understanding of their parts in the story.

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