- 1. Profiles in Courage, written by John F. Kennedy and published in 1956, is a compelling exploration of the moral courage exhibited by eight U.S. senators throughout American history. In this profound work, Kennedy delves into the complexities of political life, illustrating how these politicians made difficult decisions that often went against popular opinion or party affiliations for the sake of their principles and the greater good. The senators profiled, including John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, and Edward Brooke, faced significant political backlash and personal sacrifice, yet remained steadfast in their convictions. Kennedy's poignant narrative not only highlights the importance of courage in leadership but also serves as an invitation for future generations to consider the ethical implications of political decisions. His reflections on adversity, integrity, and resilience resonate deeply, making the book not only a historical account but also a timeless reminder of the values needed to uphold democracy.
What is the main theme of 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) Scientific discoveries
B) Military bravery in battle
C) Political courage in the face of pressure
D) Personal romantic relationships
- 2. Which U.S. president wrote 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) Theodore Roosevelt
B) Abraham Lincoln
C) Franklin D. Roosevelt
D) John F. Kennedy
- 3. What award did 'Profiles in Courage' win in 1957?
A) Caldecott Medal
B) National Book Award
C) Nobel Prize in Literature
D) Pulitzer Prize for Biography
- 4. How many U.S. Senators does Kennedy profile in the book?
A) Eight
B) Six
C) Ten
D) Twelve
- 5. Which senator defended President Andrew Johnson during impeachment?
A) John Quincy Adams
B) Sam Houston
C) Edmund G. Ross
D) Daniel Webster
- 6. What position did John Quincy Adams hold after his presidency?
A) Senator from Massachusetts
B) Secretary of State
C) U.S. Representative
D) Supreme Court Justice
- 7. Which senator opposed the Mexican-American War on moral grounds?
A) Robert Taft
B) Thomas Hart Benton
C) John C. Calhoun
D) Henry Clay
- 8. What controversial issue did Daniel Webster address in his Seventh of March speech?
A) Compromise of 1850
B) Civil Rights Act
C) Women's suffrage
D) Prohibition
- 9. What state did Sam Houston represent as senator?
A) Tennessee
B) Missouri
C) Louisiana
D) Texas
- 10. Which senator fought against the Alien and Sedition Acts?
A) John Quincy Adams
B) Daniel Webster
C) Thomas Hart Benton
D) Sam Houston
- 11. Which senator opposed his own party's leadership to support workers' rights?
A) Lucius Lamar
B) Thomas Benton
C) Edmund Ross
D) George Norris
- 12. Which political principle did John C. Calhoun strongly advocate?
A) Women's suffrage
B) Abolitionism
C) States' rights
D) Imperialism
- 13. What personal risk did these senators face for their courageous stands?
A) Family separation
B) Physical assassination
C) Political career damage
D) Financial bankruptcy
- 14. Which senator opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
A) Henry Clay
B) Daniel Webster
C) Sam Houston
D) John C. Calhoun
- 15. What historical period do most profiles cover?
A) Revolutionary War era
B) 20th century
C) 19th century
D) Colonial period
- 16. What common trait did Kennedy emphasize in all profiled senators?
A) Military service
B) Moral courage
C) Education
D) Wealth
- 17. What was the original publication year of 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) 1960
B) 1948
C) 1956
D) 1952
- 18. What branch of government do all profiled individuals serve in?
A) Legislative
B) Military
C) Executive
D) Judicial
- 19. What is the book's fundamental message about democracy?
A) Needs strong military
B) Depends on wealthy donors
C) Requires educated elite
D) Requires courageous leaders
- 20. What state did Senator George Norris represent?
A) Ohio
B) Nebraska
C) Texas
D) Massachusetts
- 21. What major project was Senator George Norris instrumental in creating?
A) Social Security
B) Interstate Highway System
C) Tennessee Valley Authority
D) National Parks System
- 22. What was Senator Lucius Lamar known for after the Civil War?
A) Advocating secession
B) Military leadership
C) Supporting slavery
D) Reconciliation between North and South
- 23. What controversial vote ended Senator Edmund Ross's political career?
A) Women's suffrage
B) Civil Rights Act
C) Andrew Johnson impeachment
D) Prohibition
- 24. What position did Thomas Hart Benton hold for 30 years?
A) Secretary of War
B) Senator from Missouri
C) Vice President
D) House Speaker
- 25. In what decade was 'Profiles in Courage' published?
A) 1930s
B) 1950s
C) 1940s
D) 1960s
- 26. Which senator was known as 'The Great Pacificator'?
A) Stephen Douglas
B) Daniel Webster
C) Henry Clay
D) John C. Calhoun
- 27. Which senator served as Secretary of State?
A) Daniel Webster
B) George Norris
C) Sam Houston
D) Robert Taft
- 28. Which modern political figure was influenced by the book?
A) Barack Obama
B) Ronald Reagan
C) George W. Bush
D) Bill Clinton
- 29. Which U.S. political body do most of Kennedy's profiled figures serve in?
A) Senate
B) Supreme Court
C) Presidential Cabinet
D) House of Representatives
- 30. Which senator from Mississippi worked for reconciliation after the Civil War?
A) James Eastland
B) John Stennis
C) Lucius Lamar
D) Jefferson Davis
- 31. Which senator opposed the Nuremberg Trials?
A) Thomas Hart Benton
B) Sam Houston
C) Robert Taft
D) Daniel Webster
- 32. What did Kennedy emphasize about political courage?
A) It requires military experience
B) It depends on wealth
C) It often comes at great personal cost
D) It always leads to reelection
- 33. What was Robert Taft's nickname?
A) The Little Magician
B) Old Rough and Ready
C) The Great Compromiser
D) Mr. Republican
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