- 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) Personal romantic relationships
C) Political courage in the face of pressure
D) Military bravery in battle
- 2. Which U.S. president wrote 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) John F. Kennedy
B) Franklin D. Roosevelt
C) Theodore Roosevelt
D) Abraham Lincoln
- 3. What award did 'Profiles in Courage' win in 1957?
A) Pulitzer Prize for Biography
B) Caldecott Medal
C) National Book Award
D) Nobel Prize in Literature
- 4. How many U.S. Senators does Kennedy profile in the book?
A) Six
B) Twelve
C) Eight
D) Ten
- 5. Which senator defended President Andrew Johnson during impeachment?
A) John Quincy Adams
B) Edmund G. Ross
C) Daniel Webster
D) Sam Houston
- 6. What position did John Quincy Adams hold after his presidency?
A) Secretary of State
B) Supreme Court Justice
C) Senator from Massachusetts
D) U.S. Representative
- 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) Prohibition
C) Civil Rights Act
D) Women's suffrage
- 9. What state did Sam Houston represent as senator?
A) Texas
B) Louisiana
C) Tennessee
D) Missouri
- 10. Which senator fought against the Alien and Sedition Acts?
A) Sam Houston
B) John Quincy Adams
C) Thomas Hart Benton
D) Daniel Webster
- 11. Which senator opposed his own party's leadership to support workers' rights?
A) Lucius Lamar
B) George Norris
C) Thomas Benton
D) Edmund Ross
- 12. Which political principle did John C. Calhoun strongly advocate?
A) Abolitionism
B) States' rights
C) Women's suffrage
D) Imperialism
- 13. What personal risk did these senators face for their courageous stands?
A) Political career damage
B) Family separation
C) Financial bankruptcy
D) Physical assassination
- 14. Which senator opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
A) John C. Calhoun
B) Daniel Webster
C) Henry Clay
D) Sam Houston
- 15. What historical period do most profiles cover?
A) 19th century
B) 20th century
C) Revolutionary War era
D) Colonial period
- 16. What common trait did Kennedy emphasize in all profiled senators?
A) Education
B) Wealth
C) Moral courage
D) Military service
- 17. What was the original publication year of 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) 1956
B) 1952
C) 1948
D) 1960
- 18. What branch of government do all profiled individuals serve in?
A) Executive
B) Judicial
C) Legislative
D) Military
- 19. What is the book's fundamental message about democracy?
A) Depends on wealthy donors
B) Requires educated elite
C) Needs strong military
D) Requires courageous leaders
- 20. What state did Senator George Norris represent?
A) Texas
B) Massachusetts
C) Nebraska
D) Ohio
- 21. What major project was Senator George Norris instrumental in creating?
A) Tennessee Valley Authority
B) Social Security
C) Interstate Highway System
D) National Parks System
- 22. What was Senator Lucius Lamar known for after the Civil War?
A) Supporting slavery
B) Advocating secession
C) Reconciliation between North and South
D) Military leadership
- 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) House Speaker
B) Secretary of War
C) Vice President
D) Senator from Missouri
- 25. In what decade was 'Profiles in Courage' published?
A) 1960s
B) 1940s
C) 1930s
D) 1950s
- 26. Which senator was known as 'The Great Pacificator'?
A) Henry Clay
B) Daniel Webster
C) Stephen Douglas
D) John C. Calhoun
- 27. Which senator served as Secretary of State?
A) Robert Taft
B) George Norris
C) Daniel Webster
D) Sam Houston
- 28. Which modern political figure was influenced by the book?
A) Bill Clinton
B) Barack Obama
C) George W. Bush
D) Ronald Reagan
- 29. Which U.S. political body do most of Kennedy's profiled figures serve in?
A) Senate
B) Presidential Cabinet
C) Supreme Court
D) House of Representatives
- 30. Which senator from Mississippi worked for reconciliation after the Civil War?
A) Lucius Lamar
B) James Eastland
C) John Stennis
D) Jefferson Davis
- 31. Which senator opposed the Nuremberg Trials?
A) Thomas Hart Benton
B) Sam Houston
C) Daniel Webster
D) Robert Taft
- 32. What did Kennedy emphasize about political courage?
A) It requires military experience
B) It always leads to reelection
C) It often comes at great personal cost
D) It depends on wealth
- 33. What was Robert Taft's nickname?
A) Old Rough and Ready
B) Mr. Republican
C) The Little Magician
D) The Great Compromiser
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