John F. Kennedy's Inaugural Address Quiz

In his “Inaugural Address,” John F. Kennedy describes how human beings still fight for the same goals as their ancestors did. Which goal does he present as most important?

• education

• conquest

• freedom

• change

In his “Inaugural Address,” Kennedy expresses the belief that the rights of human beings come from which of the following?

• from God

• from nature

• from the principle of liberty

• from the discussions of wise thinkers

One of the key points expressed in Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address” is that the United States will go to any length to defend an important value. What is that value?

• maintaining international friendships

• protecting liberty around the world

• abolishing the threat of war

• honoring America’s history

What key ideas does Kennedy express about the United Nations in his “Inaugural Address”? Choose two options.

• The United Nations has little real power.

• The United Nations must become a more up-to-date body.

• The United Nations has the full support of the United States.

• The United Nations must be given control of all nuclear weapons.

• The United Nations has the greatest potential for protecting peace.

In his “Inaugural Address,” what request does Kennedy make of the enemies of the United States?

• He asks that they give advance notice of a nuclear strike.

• He asks that they try to divide the hemispheres of the world fairly.

• He asks that they clearly be either with or against the United States.

• He asks that they work with the United States toward peaceful progress.

Which of the following can best be described as invective? Identify the choice that best answers the question.

• positive, encouraging language

• negative, aggressive language

• neutral, objective language

• stirring, patriotic language

If two people are belaboring a problem that faces them, which of the following must be true? Base your answer on the meaning of belaboring.

• The people do not understand the source of the problem.

• The people approach the problem in an organized fashion.

• The people focus more attention on the problem than they should.

• The people ignore the problem in the hope that it will resolve itself.

A message to “our sister republics south of our border” appears midway through the “Inaugural Address.” That message is a promise “to convert our good words into good deeds.” What is the most likely meaning of that promise?

• The United States will show nations in South America how to become democratic republics.

• The United States will work on scientific breakthroughs that will benefit South America.

• The United States will send troops into South America in an effort to keep the peace there.

• The United States will establish programs to give practical aid to the poor of South America.

In his “Inaugural Address,” Kennedy describes people “who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger,” saying that they “ended up inside” the tiger. What does he mean?

• Those who seek power through violence are usually overthrown by violence.

• Those who can carefully keep their balance will never end up falling.

• Those foolish enough to seek power know that things will end badly.

• Those who seek power are just like an animal tamer in a circus.

Which of the following statements from the “Inaugural Address” contains an example of charged language?

• We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom . . .

• If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

• For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.

• [T]he devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.