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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. Where did the Truman family live when in D.C. until Harry became President?

2. What was one of the unique things about the Truman Committee?

3. When Roosevelt announces in 1944 that he will run for the fourth term as President, how many terms were Presidents allowed to serve?

4. Where was Harry S Truman born?

5. What interest did Harry and his father share?

Short Essay Questions

1. In campaigning, Truman is not a skilled orator, but people remember him. Why?

2. Reading over the description of Independence, MO, beginning on Page 50, describe Truman's hometown as it relates to 1) economic viability, 2) founders and citizens, and 3) education.

3. Truman's job at the bank in Kansas City taught him about fiscal responsibility. How would this assist a potential president?

4. Uncle Harrison is mentioned many times in the early chapters of the book as someone Truman admired and enjoyed. Why?

5. The title of this chapter is "Patriot". Why do you think the author chose this title?

6. Truman is placed in charge of one of the most unruly battery divisions in the Army, yet he forms them into one of the most efficient and admired in his Battalion. How did he do this? .

7. The author entitled Chapter 8 "Numbered Days." Whose days are being referred to here?

8. Senator Truman's committee to investigate defense spending was timely and changed the way he was viewed by his colleagues and the public. Was that his purpose in proposing this committee? Why do you think he started this effort, and did he accomplish his goals?

9. Some wives of politicians are active in their husband's campaigns and in D.C. social life to assist their reputations. Bess Truman was definitely not this type of political wife. Why do you think this is?

10. Harry Truman left his home and his country to defend another country's border. He mentions that "we owe it to Lafayette" - what does this mean?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Chapters 1 and 2 of the novel describe Truman's ancestors, Missouri, his religious upbringing, education, interests and friends. Pick one of these subjects and prepare a presentation in the format of your choosing as to: 1) The impact on Truman's presidency, 2) how this set him apart from other politicians of his era, and 3) how it affected his decision making as a president and a politician.

Essay Topic 2

Truman's staff and administration changed when George Marshall was named as Secretary of State. List five reasons why this change happened.

Essay Topic 3

Why do you think Roosevelt made the choice of Vice President so difficult? Discuss the factors you believe led to this confusion, including Roosevelt's health, the structure of the Democratic party as it differs from today, and the tendency for Roosevelt to manipulate his team.

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This section contains 750 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample