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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through 35-39.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is democracy's "aim," according to Mencken?
(a) To protect the children of a society.
(b) To indoctrinate everyone in religious "poppycock."
(c) To pull everyone down to the same level.
(d) To ensure great wealth for all.

2. What did Mencken conclude in his examination of rulings in "Mr. Justice Holmes"?
(a) Justice Holmes ruled too often in favor of the powers that be, rather than the people.
(b) Justice Holmes ruled too often for rabble-rousers, and not often enough for the aristocracy.
(c) Mencken slyly suggests Holmes should tuck chickens under his arms because of his chicken-like cowardice.
(d) Justice Holmes rendered fantastically bizarre rulings, and should be impeached.

3. What problem did Mencken have with Justice Holmes' final court case?
(a) The case involved a tainted jury pool.
(b) Holmes delivered an hour-long, and completely unnecessary, speech when rendering his verdict.
(c) The case violated the writ of Habeus Corpus.
(d) The case was a clear violation of freedom from double jeopardy.

4. Why do the majority of people lie, according to Mencken?
(a) They are fearful of being arrested.
(b) They lie for fame.
(c) They lie for profit.
(d) They are unhappy with their lot in life.

5. What does Mencken call a man who resists the charms of women?
(a) A most distinguished gentleman.
(b) A most rare beast indeed.
(c) A most disgusting cad.
(d) An exceedingly wise stone statue.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which was one of Mencken's criticisms for Woodrow Wilson?

2. What does Mencken make synonymous with democracy in "A Blind Spot"?

3. Which was NOT a challenge to the schoolboy Mencken mentioned in "Travail"?

4. What is a man's usual response to beauty?

5. Why, according to Mencken, do virtuous people end up sinning the worst?

(see the answer key)

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