1. Comprehension

Perspective of a Public Man

Which of the following statements about Hubert

Humphrey's ideas is correct?

In some cases, more than one statement applies.

1. According to Hubert Humphrey, a great president

1. must be able to spur people on to act to the best of their abilities.

2. must be both a teacher and a preacher.

3. must make sure that he attaches equal importance to all fields of politics.

2. As a senator Hubert Humphrey

1. found that working as a legislator kept him away from the people.

2. took up a second job as a teacher.

3. believed that explaining politics to the people was more important than passing laws.

3. The message that politicians convey to the public

1. must be simplistic.

2. is necessarily repetitive and boring.

3. must be simplified but nevertheless interesting.

4. Hubert Humphrey likes political leaders who

1. are prepared to make unpopular decisions.

2. base their decisions on opinion polls.

3. value their personal conviction higher than public opinion.

5. Hubert Humphrey advises prospective young politicians

1. to avoid becoming involved in problems that invite criticism.

2. to expect unfair personal criticism.

3. to be prepared to put up with criticism.

6. In a democratic society decisions ought to be made

1. by a few leading personalities.

2. after a long discussion process that •involves as many people as possible.

3. by young people with bright ideas.

2. Analysis of a Speech

A President's Mission

1. In this excerpt from the nomination acceptance speech, delivered at the Republican National Convention, George Bush defines a president's mission. Which aspects of his mission does he mention?

2. This speech must be seen in the context of the 1988 election campaign. During this campaign the Democrats accused the Republicans and the Reagan administration of showing little regard for ethnic minorities, of caring only for the rich and neglecting the poor and of letting officials violate people's trust in public service. How does George Bush deal with these accusations?

3. A cartoon is a satirical drawing commenting on current events or politics. Describe this cartoon and explain the point the cartoonist wants to make.

AUTH COPYRIGHT1988 Philadelphia Inquirer. Reprinted with permission of Universal Press Syndicate. All rights reserved.

4» During the campaign George Bush was frequently reproached for his prosperous social background and for his lack of eloquence. How does he react to these attacks in this speech?

166 AMERICA IN CLOSE-UP

3. Questionnaire

The Human Side of Congress

High school students in Ohio have been discussing the structure of Congress and the legislative process. Two of the students have received a grant for an educational trip to Washington, where they will be given the chance to interview a member of Congress. The class has prepared the following questionnaire for this interview.

How would Jim Wright answer these questions?

1 Does Congress really represent a cross-section of the American people?

2. How does a member of Congress compare with the average American citizen?

3. Is a member of Congress an active factor in the decision-making process or is he/she only part of a machine?

4. Members of Congress are subject to all kinds of pressure from their constituencies, their parties, the opinion polls, and their own convictions. How can they possibly represent such conflicting interests?

5. How much time does a member of Congress devote to the actual needs of his/her constituents?

6. What can a member of Congress in Washington do for his/her home district?

7. If a representative is strongly convinced that he/she ought to vote against the wishes of constituents, what can he/she do?

2. What is the function of a majority leader?