Lab Activity 59: Argument in Political Cartoons

Chapter 12: The Basics of Argument
Lab Activity 59: Argument in Political Cartoons

Objective
To recognize political cartoons as forms of argument.

Step 2: Study the second political cartoon in the Lab Manual and answer the questions that follow.

5. The Statue of Liberty represents what idea in American government?

a. immigration

b. bureaucracy

c. government

d. freedom

6. The man in the cartoon symbolizes Congress, which as this image emphasizes is entrusted by the people

a. to make laws to protect the freedom of the people.

b. to cast judgment on decisions of the lower courts in regard to terrorist activity.

c. to seek out and prosecute known terrorists.

d. to ensure that laws are followed to prosecute known terrorists.

7. The man in the cartoon is holding a paper that contains

a. laws Congress has already made to protect peace on American soil.

b. laws Congress would like to make to prevent another terrorist attack on American soil.

c. controversial judgments made concerning terrorists now in custody.

d. plans that will be executed on criminals in custody.

8. "But will you still respect me in the morning?" implies what kind of tone?

a. threatening

b. humorous

c. anxious

d. demanding

9. The claim of the political cartoon is that

a. Congress is protecting America's freedom through its proposed anti-terrorist measures.

b. Congress is taking away some civil liberties with its proposed anti-terrorist measures.

c. Congress should do more than just propose anti-terrorist measures.

d. The only way to protect the freedom and civil liberties of Americans is to allow Congress to pass the proposed anti-terrorist measures.

10. What is your opinion of the cartoon and its claim?

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.