The Decline of Political Rhetoric

The video discusses the decline in political rhetoric in the US and UK since the era of The Federalist Papers. It highlights the importance of oratorical skills in the debates surrounding the American Constitution and contrasts this with the current state of political discourse. The video also examines the strong arguments presented by both Federalists and Anti-Federalists, and the role of rhetoric in British politics. It concludes by noting the atrophy of deliberative skills in modern political assemblies and questions whether these skills are still taught in legal education.

What is the main argument about political rhetoric in the first section?

• It has improved significantly over time.

• It has declined since the era of The Federalist Papers.

• It has remained unchanged.

• It was never important.

What do the anti-Federalist Papers argue about?

• The need for a strong central government.

• The importance of individual freedoms.

• The dangers of a large republic and states' rights.

• The benefits of a monarchy.

Which of the following best describes the rhetorical texts discussed in the second section?

• They are focused on economic issues.

• They are simple and straightforward.

• They are densely rhetorical.

• They are irrelevant to modern politics.

What is noted about the current state of rhetorical skills in political assemblies?

• They are the same as in the past.

• They have improved significantly.

• They are only used in courts.

• They are rarely used and have atrophied.

What question is raised about the training of young lawyers?

• Whether they are trained in international law.

• Whether they are trained in economic policies.

• Whether they are trained in classical forensic skills.

• Whether they are trained in modern technology.