Exploring Washington's Address: A Quiz

Read the following excerpt from Washington’s Farewell Address: “It is of infinite moment that you should properly estimate the immense value of your national union to your collective and individual happiness.” What is the author’s main purpose in this statement?

• To warn against foreign influence

• To emphasize the importance of national unity

• To encourage economic development

• To support the creation of political parties

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.6

CCSS.RI.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

CCSS.RL.8.6

CCSS.RL.9-10.6

Consider this line: “The name of American, which belongs to you in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of patriotism.” What is the central idea of this statement?

• Americans should be proud of their shared identity

• Americans should focus on their state identity

• Americans should avoid patriotism

• Americans should change their national name

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Washington writes: “Against the insidious wiles of foreign influence... the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake.” What conflict is Washington warning about?

• Conflict between the President and Congress

• Conflict between the United States and foreign nations

• Conflict between the North and South

• Conflict between the government and the military

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Refer to this excerpt: “The baneful effects of the spirit of party, generally, are sufficient to make it the interest and duty of a wise people to discourage and restrain it.” What does the word “baneful” most likely mean as used in this context?

• Helpful

• Harmful

• Temporary

• Unusual

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4

Washington states: “Observe good faith and justice towards all nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all.” What is the author’s purpose in this statement?

• To encourage Americans to avoid all foreign contact

• To promote honorable and peaceful relations with other countries

• To support military expansion

• To warn against trade

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Read this line: “Let me now take a last leave of you, the country I so much love and have served so long.” Which of the following best summarizes Washington’s tone in this statement?

• Indifferent

• Affectionate and sincere

• Angry

• Boastful

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Washington writes: “...the unity of government, which constitutes you one people, is now dear to you.” What figurative language is used in this excerpt?

• Simile

• Personification

• Hyperbole

• Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Consider this passage: “...the very idea of the power and the right of the people to establish government presupposes the duty of every individual to obey the established government.” What central idea is Washington expressing?

• The government should be overthrown regularly

• Citizens have a duty to respect the government they create

• Only leaders should obey the law

• The people have no power

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Washington warns: “...steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world.” What is the conflict Washington is addressing here?

• Conflict between states

• Conflict between the U.S. and foreign entanglements

• Conflict between Congress and the President

• Conflict between citizens and the military

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Read this excerpt: “...the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly awake, since history and experience prove that foreign influence is one of the most baneful foes of republican government.” Which vocabulary word from the passage best fits the definition “harmful enemy”?

• Jealousy

• Baneful

• Foes

• Awake

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.11-12.4

CCSS.RL.9-10.4

CCSS.RL.8.4