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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. What metaphoric comparison does Kennedy make to John Quincey Adams' Puritanism?
(a) A conflict of interests.
(b) A mighty ship in a storm.
(c) Kennedy's Catholicism.
(d) The east coast, craggy, rocky, somber and strong.

2. What trait of Adams ultimately caused him to suffer great disappointments?
(a) His ability to manipulate his father.
(b) His superior attitude toward other politician.
(c) His uncompromising religion.
(d) His willingness to change positions when expedient.

3. What did the historian Wharton say about Houston's courage as he fought against Texas' secession from the Union?
(a) No one paid any attention as Houston entered the Secessionist Convention.
(b) It took a thousand times more courage than charging up the hill at San Jacinto.
(c) He relapsed into alcoholism and went back to the Cherokee.
(d) Houston finally lost his courage and gave in to popular opinion.

4. Besides appearing to be disloyal to his father when he aligned himself with Jefferson's politics, what other problem arose for John Quincey Adams?
(a) He lost his political influence for many months.
(b) Disillusionment of his party when he broke with them and voted with Jefferson.
(c) He was forced to change political parties and lose his seniority.
(d) His mother becaue distraught that her son and husband did not agree.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Although thought of as a crazy politician, what did John F. Kennedy see as a mark of courage in the man?

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

3. Why was John Quincey Adams generally unhappy?

4. What is the irony of Houston's defending the Northerner's rights to abolition?

5. Where did Benton say he's rather see the Democratic Party rather than give one inch to Mr. Van Buren?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What caused Houston to resign as governor of Tennessee and go live with the Indians?

3. Aside from being Senator from Massachusetts, what was Daniel Webster known for?

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

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

6. Detail the important political positions held by Sam Houston.

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

8. What does Kennedy point out as a moral flaw in Daniel Webster?

9. How does the book reflect John Kennedy's admiration for certain former U.S. Senators?

10. What does Kennedy identify as a difficult situation after a candidate is voted into the senate?

(see the answer keys)

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