- 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) Military bravery in battle
B) Personal romantic relationships
C) Political courage in the face of pressure
D) Scientific discoveries
- 2. Which U.S. president wrote 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) Theodore Roosevelt
B) Abraham Lincoln
C) John F. Kennedy
D) Franklin D. Roosevelt
- 3. What award did 'Profiles in Courage' win in 1957?
A) National Book Award
B) Nobel Prize in Literature
C) Pulitzer Prize for Biography
D) Caldecott Medal
- 4. How many U.S. Senators does Kennedy profile in the book?
A) Ten
B) Twelve
C) Six
D) Eight
- 5. Which senator defended President Andrew Johnson during impeachment?
A) Edmund G. Ross
B) John Quincy Adams
C) Daniel Webster
D) Sam Houston
- 6. What position did John Quincy Adams hold after his presidency?
A) Senator from Massachusetts
B) Secretary of State
C) Supreme Court Justice
D) U.S. Representative
- 7. Which senator opposed the Mexican-American War on moral grounds?
A) Robert Taft
B) John C. Calhoun
C) Henry Clay
D) Thomas Hart Benton
- 8. What controversial issue did Daniel Webster address in his Seventh of March speech?
A) Prohibition
B) Compromise of 1850
C) Women's suffrage
D) Civil Rights Act
- 9. What state did Sam Houston represent as senator?
A) Tennessee
B) Louisiana
C) Texas
D) Missouri
- 10. Which senator fought against the Alien and Sedition Acts?
A) Sam Houston
B) Thomas Hart Benton
C) John Quincy Adams
D) Daniel Webster
- 11. Which senator opposed his own party's leadership to support workers' rights?
A) Edmund Ross
B) Lucius Lamar
C) George Norris
D) Thomas Benton
- 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) Physical assassination
B) Political career damage
C) Financial bankruptcy
D) Family separation
- 14. Which senator opposed the Kansas-Nebraska Act?
A) Sam Houston
B) John C. Calhoun
C) Henry Clay
D) Daniel Webster
- 15. What historical period do most profiles cover?
A) 19th century
B) Colonial period
C) Revolutionary War era
D) 20th century
- 16. What common trait did Kennedy emphasize in all profiled senators?
A) Military service
B) Wealth
C) Education
D) Moral courage
- 17. What was the original publication year of 'Profiles in Courage'?
A) 1956
B) 1948
C) 1960
D) 1952
- 18. What branch of government do all profiled individuals serve in?
A) Executive
B) Legislative
C) Judicial
D) Military
- 19. What is the book's fundamental message about democracy?
A) Needs strong military
B) Depends on wealthy donors
C) Requires courageous leaders
D) Requires educated elite
- 20. What state did Senator George Norris represent?
A) Texas
B) Ohio
C) Nebraska
D) Massachusetts
- 21. What major project was Senator George Norris instrumental in creating?
A) Tennessee Valley Authority
B) National Parks System
C) Interstate Highway System
D) Social Security
- 22. What was Senator Lucius Lamar known for after the Civil War?
A) Reconciliation between North and South
B) Advocating secession
C) Military leadership
D) Supporting slavery
- 23. What controversial vote ended Senator Edmund Ross's political career?
A) Andrew Johnson impeachment
B) Civil Rights Act
C) Women's suffrage
D) Prohibition
- 24. What position did Thomas Hart Benton hold for 30 years?
A) House Speaker
B) Secretary of War
C) Senator from Missouri
D) Vice President
- 25. In what decade was 'Profiles in Courage' published?
A) 1930s
B) 1950s
C) 1960s
D) 1940s
- 26. Which senator was known as 'The Great Pacificator'?
A) Stephen Douglas
B) John C. Calhoun
C) Daniel Webster
D) Henry Clay
- 27. Which senator served as Secretary of State?
A) Sam Houston
B) Daniel Webster
C) Robert Taft
D) George Norris
- 28. Which modern political figure was influenced by the book?
A) George W. Bush
B) Bill Clinton
C) Barack Obama
D) Ronald Reagan
- 29. Which U.S. political body do most of Kennedy's profiled figures serve in?
A) House of Representatives
B) Supreme Court
C) Presidential Cabinet
D) Senate
- 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) Daniel Webster
B) Robert Taft
C) Sam Houston
D) Thomas Hart Benton
- 32. What did Kennedy emphasize about political courage?
A) It often comes at great personal cost
B) It depends on wealth
C) It requires military experience
D) It always leads to reelection
- 33. What was Robert Taft's nickname?
A) The Little Magician
B) Old Rough and Ready
C) Mr. Republican
D) The Great Compromiser
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