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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington: Questions to Spark Discussion and Deeper Understanding
Have you ever been captivated by a film that transcends its era, sparking conversations and prompting introspection long after the credits roll? Frank Capra's "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" is precisely that kind of cinematic masterpiece. This enduring classic isn't just a feel-good story; it's a powerful exploration of political idealism, corruption, and the importance of civic duty. This post delves into the film's enduring relevance, offering a range of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington questions" to stimulate critical thinking and enhance your appreciation of this timeless piece of cinema. We'll explore key themes, character analysis, and the film's lasting impact on political discourse.
Exploring the Idealism of Jefferson Smith: Key "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" Questions
The film centers on Jefferson Smith, a naive but incorruptible young man appointed to the U.S. Senate. His idealism is immediately tested by the cynical realities of Washington D.C. This contrast forms the core of the narrative. Some key questions to consider regarding Smith include:
#### Is Jefferson Smith's idealism naive or admirable?
Smith's unwavering belief in the system, even when faced with blatant corruption, can be viewed as either endearingly naive or frustratingly unrealistic. Is his unwavering faith a strength or a weakness? Does his approach resonate with modern political discourse, or does it appear hopelessly outdated? Consider his methods and the consequences of his actions. Does the film ultimately endorse his approach, or offer a more nuanced perspective?
#### How does Smith's character arc evolve throughout the film?
Smith's journey is not a simple trajectory. He begins as an innocent, almost childlike figure. Through his experiences battling corruption, he undergoes a significant transformation. His naiveté is gradually replaced by a steely determination and a deeper understanding of the complexities of power. Analyze this transformation. What specific events catalyze his growth? Does he retain his core values, or does he compromise them along the way?
#### Does the film portray a realistic view of the political process?
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" presents a highly stylized depiction of the Senate. While it highlights the potential for corruption and manipulation, it also showcases the possibility of individual heroism and the power of the people. How realistic is the film's portrayal of Washington politics, considering the power dynamics, legislative processes, and the role of lobbying? Compare and contrast its depiction with contemporary political realities.
Analyzing the Antagonists and Supporting Characters: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" Questions
The film's impact isn't solely dependent on Smith's journey; the supporting cast plays a vital role in shaping the narrative.
#### What role does Paine's character play in highlighting the film's themes?
Senator Joseph Paine, Smith's mentor, initially appears supportive but eventually reveals his own flaws and compromises. His transformation reveals the seductive nature of power and the compromises individuals can make in pursuit of ambition. Does Paine's character represent a cautionary tale? Is he purely evil, or is there an element of tragedy in his actions?
#### How does the portrayal of female characters contribute to the narrative?
While not central, the female characters in the film play important roles. Consider the influence of Miss Saunders, Smith's secretary, or even the impact of the female senators. Do their roles reflect or challenge traditional gender roles of the era? How could their characters have been developed further in a contemporary retelling?
The Enduring Legacy of "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington": Questions for Reflection
The film's enduring appeal stems from its timeless themes of integrity, corruption, and the fight for justice.
#### How does the film's message resonate with contemporary audiences?
Despite being set in the 1930s, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" tackles themes that remain strikingly relevant today. Issues of political corruption, lobbying, and the struggle for ethical leadership continue to dominate headlines. In what ways does the film’s message continue to inspire and challenge modern viewers? Does the film offer solutions, or simply highlight the ongoing struggle?
#### What is the film's lasting impact on political discourse and cinema?
The film's impact extends beyond its immediate reception. It's been praised for its powerful storytelling and its portrayal of idealistic political figures. How has the film influenced subsequent films and television shows that explore similar themes? Has its idealistic view of politics influenced real-world political movements or activism?
Conclusion
"Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" remains a potent and relevant cinematic experience. By exploring these questions, we can deepen our understanding of its complex characters, its powerful themes, and its enduring legacy. The film’s enduring appeal lies not only in its captivating story but also in its ability to spark critical conversations about the importance of civic engagement, ethical leadership, and the continuous struggle for a more just and equitable society.
FAQs
1. Is "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" historically accurate? The film takes liberties with the political process for dramatic effect; it’s not a strictly accurate depiction of Senate procedures.
2. What is the significance of the filibuster in the film? The filibuster scene is iconic, showcasing Smith’s endurance and dedication to his principles. It highlights the power of individual action within the system.
3. How does the film use symbolism? The film employs various symbols, such as the Boy Ranger camp, representing innocence and idealism, contrasted with the cynicism of Washington.
4. What is the overall tone of the film? While dealing with serious themes, the film maintains a hopeful and ultimately optimistic tone, emphasizing the power of belief and perseverance.
5. Is the film suitable for all ages? While generally suitable, some scenes might be intense or slow-paced for very young viewers, but its themes of integrity and justice make it a valuable discussion point for families.
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Mr. Smith Goes to Prison Jeff Smith, 2015-09-01 The fall from politico to prisoner isn't necessarily long, but the landing, as Missouri State Senator Jeff Smith learned, is a hard one. In 2009, Smith pleaded guilty to a seemingly minor charge of campaign malfeasance and earned himself a year and one day in Kentucky's FCI Manchester. Mr. Smith Goes to Prison is the fish-out-of-water story of his time in the big house; of the people he met there and the things he learned: how to escape the attentions of fellow inmate Cornbread and his friends in the Aryan Brotherhood; what constitutes a prison car and who's allowed to ride in yours; how to bend and break the rules, whether you're a prisoner or an officer. And throughout his sentence, the young Senator tracked the greatest crime of all: the deliberate waste of untapped human potential. Smith saw the power of millions of inmates harnessed as a source of renewable energy for America's prison-industrial complex, a system that aims to build better criminals instead of better citizens. In Mr. Smith Goes to Prison, he traces the cracks in America's prison walls, exposing the shortcomings of a racially-based cycle of poverty and crime that sets inmates up to fail. Speaking from inside experience, he offers practical solutions to jailbreak the nation from the financially crushing grip of its own prisons and to jumpstart the rehabilitation of the millions living behind bars. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Team of Vipers Cliff Sims, 2019-01-29 THE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER Sims’s vivid portrait of Trump shrewdly balances admiration with misgivings, and his intricate, engrossing accounts of White House vendettas and power plays have a good mix of immersion and perspective. The result is one of the best of the recent flood of Trump tell-alls. —Publishers Weekly The first honest insider’s account of the Trump administration. If you hate Trump you need the truth; if you love Trump you need the truth. After standing at Donald Trump’s side on Election Night, Cliff Sims joined him in the West Wing as Special Assistant to the President and Director of White House Message Strategy. He soon found himself pulled into the President’s inner circle as a confidante, an errand boy, an advisor, a punching bag, and a friend. Sometimes all in the same conversation. As a result, Sims gained unprecedented access to the President, sitting in on private meetings with key Congressional officials, world leaders, and top White House advisors. He saw how Trump handled the challenges of the office, and he learned from Trump himself how he saw the world. For five hundred days, Sims also witnessed first-hand the infighting and leaking, the anger, joy, and recriminations. He had a role in some of the President’s biggest successes, and he shared the blame for some of his administration’s worst disasters. He gained key, often surprising insights into the players of the Trump West Wing, from Jared Kushner and John Kelly to Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway. He even helped Trump craft his enemies list, knowing who was loyal and who was not. And he took notes. Hundreds of pages of notes. In real-time. Sims stood with the President in the eye of the storm raging around him, and now he tells the story that no one else has written—because no one else could. The story of what it was really like in the West Wing as a member of the President’s team. The story of power and palace intrigue, backstabbing and bold victories, as well as painful moral compromises, occasionally with yourself. Team of Vipers tells the full story, as only a true insider could. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Regarding Frank Capra Eric Loren Smoodin, 2004 From feature films to television production. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: American Dreamers Michael Kazin, 2012-09-04 ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: NEWSWEEK/THE DAILY BEAST, THE NEW REPUBLIC, THE PROGRESSIVE The definitive history of the reformers, radicals, and idealists who fought for a different America, from the abolitionists to Michael Moore and Noam Chomsky. While the history of the left is a long story of idealism and determination, it has also been a story of movements that failed to gain support from mainstream America. In American Dreamers, Michael Kazin—one of the most respected historians of the American left working today—tells a new history of the movements that, while not fully succeeding on their own terms, nonetheless made lasting contributions to American society. Among these culture shaping events are the fight for equal opportunity for women, racial minorities, and homosexuals; the celebration of sexual pleasure; the inclusion of multiculturalism in the media and school curricula; and the creation of books and films with altruistic and anti-authoritarian messages. Deeply informed, judicious and impassioned, and superbly written, this is an essential book for our times and for anyone seeking to understand our political history and the people who made it. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Major Pettigrew's Last Stand Helen Simonson, 2010-03-01 Major Ernest Pettigrew is perfectly content to lead a quiet life in the sleepy village of Edgecombe St Mary, away from the meddling of the locals and his overbearing son. But when his brother dies, the Major finds himself seeking companionship with the village shopkeeper, Mrs Ali. Drawn together by a love of books and the loss of their partners, they are soon forced to contend with irate relatives and gossiping villagers. The perfect gentleman, but the most unlikely hero, the Major must ask himself what matters most: family obligation, tradition or love? Funny, comforting and heart-warming, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand proves that sometimes, against all odds, life does give you a second chance. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Frank Capra Joseph McBride, 2011-06-02 Moviegoers often assume Frank Capra's life resembled his beloved films (such as Mr. Smith Goes to Washington and It's a Wonderful Life). A man of the people faces tremendous odds and, by doing the right thing, triumphs! But as Joseph McBride reveals in this meticulously researched, definitive biography, the reality was far more complex, a true American tragedy. Using newly declassified U.S. government documents about Capra's response to being considered a possible “subversive” during the post-World War II Red Scare, McBride adds a final chapter to his unforgettable portrait of the man who gave us It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, and Meet John Doe. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: The Politics of Hollywood Cinema R. Rushton, 2016-04-12 The Politics of Hollywood Cinema radically transforms our understanding of cinema's potential to be politically engaging and challenging. Examining several films from Hollywood's classical era, including Marked Woman, Mr Smith Goes to Washington, Born Yesterday, On the Waterfront and It Should Happen to You, alongside contemporary theories of democracy advanced by Ernesto Laclau, Chantal Mouffe, Claude Lefort, Étienne Balibar and Jacques Rancière, Richard Rushton argues that popular films can offer complex subtle, relevant and controversial approaches to democracy and politics. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: All the King's Men Robert Penn Warren, 2002 Willie Stark's obsession with political power leads to the ultimate corruption of his gubernatorial administration. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Mr. and Mr. Smith HelenKay Dimon, 2016-05-24 Secrets and seduction make for an explosive combination in HelenKay Dimon’s edgy, thrilling new series, which kicks off with a novel about two men who can handle any threat—except the one posed by desire. RITA FINALIST—ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Fisher Braun knows how to keep a secret. As a covert paramilitary operative, his job—and his life—depends on it. He’s at the top of his game, ready for action and always in control. No enemy has ever brought him to his knees, but one lover has: Zachary Allen, the man currently sharing his bed. The perfect package of brains and brawn, Zach is someone worth coming home to, and Fisher hates keeping him in the dark about what he does. But the lies keep Zach safe. Until the day Fisher loses everything. . . . Zachary Allen is no innocent civilian. Although he plays the tech geek, in reality he’s deep undercover for the CIA. In a horrible twist of fate, the criminal enterprise he’s infiltrated has set its sights on the man whose touch drives him wild. Zach would do anything for Fisher—except blow his own cover. Now, in order to save him, Zach must betray him first. And he needs Fisher to trust him with all his heart if they want to make it out alive. Fall in love with the men of HelenKay Dimon’s thrilling novels: The Tough Love series: MR. AND MR. SMITH | THE TALENTED MR. RIVERS | GUARDING MR. FINE The Dirty series: DIRTY DEEDS | DIRTY GAMES Praise for Mr. and Mr. Smith “If you like hot men, action, nerve-wracking situations and police books, you should read Mr. and Mr. Smith.”—The Book Adventures of Annelise Lestrange “This book is . . . a whole heck of a lot of fun, with a large cast of characters, lots of women in power, some angry-hot sex, physically improbable stunts, and lots of shit blowing up. If you like your romance with a little dash of Die Hard, this is the book for you.”—Binge On Books “If you are looking for some sexy, exciting, romantic suspense, I would definitely give Mr. and Mr. Smith a try. It is a fun story with lots of thrills and it looks to be the start of a great new series.”—Joyfully Jay “Mr. and Mr. Smith is a suspense-filled story. There are moments of abrasive and emotional tantrums . . . and inspiring scenes of one man’s love for another. The premise is entertaining; the characters are an eclectic mix of intense, impassioned, and real; the romance is a fight to the finish.”—The Reading Cafe Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Communities in Action National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Committee on Community-Based Solutions to Promote Health Equity in the United States, 2017-04-27 In the United States, some populations suffer from far greater disparities in health than others. Those disparities are caused not only by fundamental differences in health status across segments of the population, but also because of inequities in factors that impact health status, so-called determinants of health. Only part of an individual's health status depends on his or her behavior and choice; community-wide problems like poverty, unemployment, poor education, inadequate housing, poor public transportation, interpersonal violence, and decaying neighborhoods also contribute to health inequities, as well as the historic and ongoing interplay of structures, policies, and norms that shape lives. When these factors are not optimal in a community, it does not mean they are intractable: such inequities can be mitigated by social policies that can shape health in powerful ways. Communities in Action: Pathways to Health Equity seeks to delineate the causes of and the solutions to health inequities in the United States. This report focuses on what communities can do to promote health equity, what actions are needed by the many and varied stakeholders that are part of communities or support them, as well as the root causes and structural barriers that need to be overcome. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: To the Greatest Heights Vanessa O'Brien, 2021-03-30 A memoir by Vanessa O'Brien, record-breaking American-British explorer, takes you on an unexpected journey to the top of the world's highest mountains-- |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: American Vision Raymond Carney, 1986-10-31 Professor Carney analyses Frank Capra's life as well as the broad cultural context of his films. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: PERSUASION Jane Austen, 2021-01-08 Persuasion is a novel written by a famous British writer Jane Austen. It is a story about the life of Anne Elliot, a middle daughter of baronet Sir Walter, a spender and bluffer. Due to these features of his character, he found himself in a difficult financial position. He has to rent a family estate Kellynch Hall in order to pay his debts. Meanwhile, his most smart and considerate daughter Anne goes to Uppercross to look after a sick sister. In the days of her youth she was mutually in love with Frederick Wentworth, but because of a fear of a poor marriage, “reasons of conscience” and on the insistence of a “family friend” Lady Russel Anne stopped her relationship with him. But now after eight years, some incredible coincidence happens. The family that rents Kellynch Hall is related to Frederick Wentworth. Is the old-time love still alive in the hearts of Anne and Frederick? |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Homer Simpson Marches on Washington Timothy M. Dale, Joseph J. Foy, 2010-03-19 A volume of enlightening essays on how TV shows, movies, and music can change hearts and minds. Amid all its frenetic humor, the long-running animated hit The Simpsons has often questioned what is culturally acceptable, wading into controversial subjects like gay rights, the war on terror, religion, and animal rights. This subtle form of political analysis is effective in changing opinions and attitudes on a large scale. Homer Simpson Marches on Washington explores the transformative power that enables popular culture to influence political agendas, frame the consciousness of audiences, and create profound shifts in values and ideals. To investigate the full spectrum of popular culture in a democratic society, editors Timothy M. Dale and Joseph J. Foy gather a top-notch team of scholars who use television shows such as Star Trek, The X-Files, All in the Family, The View, The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report, as well as movies and popular music, to investigate contemporary issues in American popular culture. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Stanley Cavell and the Magic of Hollywood Films Daniel Shaw, 2019-08-05 One of America's most important contemporary thinkers, Stanley Cavell's remarkable film philosophy proposed that the greatest Hollywood films reflect the struggle to become who we really are - a struggle that is foregrounded in the characteristically American theory of Emersonian perfectionism. Focusing on his account of what makes Hollywood movies so magical, Dan Shaw draws on Cavell's theories to interpret a range of classic and contemporary dramas, including Mr Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Boys Don't Cry (1999) and The Hurt Locker (2008). Pairing of these analyses with discussions of Cavell's precursors, including Emerson, Nietzsche and Mill, the book explores a distinctively American philosophical foundation for the study of Hollywood film. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town Stephen Leacock, 2010 Affectionately combining both the idyllic and ironic, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is Stephen Leacock’s most beloved book. Set in fictional Mariposa, an Ontario town on the shore of Lake Wissanotti, these sketches present a remarkable range of characters: some irritating, some exasperating, some foolhardy, but all endearing. Painted with the skilful brushstrokes of a great comic artist, the delightful inhabitants of Mariposa represent the people of small towns everywhere. As fresh, funny, and insightful today as when it was first published in 1912, Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town is Stephen Leacock at his best – colourful, imaginative, and thoroughly entertaining. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: The Essential Paul Simon John S Jackson, 2012-09-13 One of the most admired public figures in Illinois’s history, journalist and politician Paul Simon dedicated his life to public service for more than four decades. During his lengthy and productive career, he often used his prolific writings as tools to establish a straightforward dialogue with his constituents. In The Essential Paul Simon: Timeless Lessons for Today’s Politics, editor John S. Jackson carefully selects the best of Simon’s decades of writings, which include newspaper columns, editorials, book chapters, and newsletters—works that, while written to address the challenges of Simon’s own era, still resonate with practical wisdom today. Jackson provides an introduction to each chapter, setting Senator Simon’s work into the context of its time and emphasizing the connection to today’s continuing political questions and conflicts. He also contributes an annotated bibliography covering all of Paul Simon’s twenty-two books which will prove to be a handy guide to Simon’s publications. While Simon covered a broad spectrum of topics in his written works, his mission throughout the years remained the same: to urge his constituents to study and understand issues that affected their daily lives and to make the complexities of politics accessible to the average citizen. An indispensable volume for voters and politicians alike, The Essential Paul Simon compiles some of the most thought-provoking writings from one of the keenest political minds in our nation’s history. Years after their publication, Simon’s eloquent and energetic conversations continue to provide witty, informative guidance through the maze of American politics and inspire the development of spirited public discussion and debate. Certificate of Excellence from the Illinois State Historical Society, 2013 |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Homer Simpson Goes to Washington Joseph J. Foy, 2014-10-17 The modern landscape of American entertainment is filled with commentary on the state of the union. Viewers turn to The Daily Show instead of Fox or CNN, satirical films such as Wag the Dog, cartoons like The Simpsons, or controversial action dramas similar to 24 in order to learn more about current events in the United States. Popular culture is educating America more than the nightly news, aiding viewers in their quest to understand the American political system. In Homer Simpson Goes to Washington: American Politics through Popular Culture, Joseph J. Foy and other contributing scholars offer diverse political perspectives through the framework of popular culture. From the classic film Mr. Smith Goes to Washington to the cutting-edge television program Chappelle's Show, a wide spectrum of entertainment media is used to explain the complexities of U.S. politics and how audiences engage with them. Popular culture and politics have never been so intertwined in the American consciousness as they are today. As political knowledge becomes increasingly fragmented, Homer Simpson Goes to Washington explains how popular culture can actually help connect people to their government. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Mrs. Dalloway Virginia Woolf, 2023-12-16 Mrs Dalloway, Virginia Woolf's fourth novel, offers the reader an impression of a single June day in London in 1923. Clarissa Dalloway, the wife of a Conservative member of parliament, is preparing to give an evening party, while the shell-shocked Septimus Warren Smith hears the birds in Regent's Park chattering in Greek. There seems to be nothing, except perhaps London, to link Clarissa and Septimus. She is middle-aged and prosperous, with a sheltered happy life behind her; Smith is young, poor, and driven to hatred of himself and the whole human race. Yet both share a terror of existence, and sense the pull of death. The world of Mrs Dalloway is evoked in Woolf's famous stream of consciousness style, in a lyrical and haunting language which has made this, from its publication in 1925, one of her most popular novels. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Regarding Frank Capra Eric Smoodin, 2005-01-13 In this innovative historical examination of the American movie audience, Eric Smoodin focuses on reactions to the films of Frank Capra. Best known for his Hollywood features—including It Happened One Night, It’s a Wonderful Life, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington—Capra also directed educational films, military films, and documentaries. Based on his analysis of the reception of a broad range of Capra’s films, Smoodin considers the preferences and attitudes toward Hollywood of the people who watched movies during the “Golden Age” of studio production, from 1930 to 1960. Drawing on archival sources including fan letters, exhibitor reports, military and prison records, government and corporate documents, and trade journals, Smoodin explains how the venues where Capra’s films were seen and the strategies used to promote the films affected audience response and how, in turn, audience response shaped film production. He analyzes issues of foreign censorship and government intervention in the making of The Bitter Tea of General Yen; the response of high school students to It Happened One Night; fan engagement with the overtly political discourse of Meet John Doe and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington; San Quentin prisoners’ reaction to a special screening of It’s a Wonderful Life; and at&t’s involvement in Capra’s later documentary work for the Bell Science Series. He also looks at the reception of Capra’s series Why We Fight, used by the American military to train recruits and re-educate German prisoners of war. Illuminating the role of the famous director and his films in American culture, Regarding Frank Capra signals new directions for significant research on film reception and promotion. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Talking to Strangers Malcolm Gladwell, 2019-09-10 Malcolm Gladwell, host of the podcast Revisionist History and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Outliers, offers a powerful examination of our interactions with strangers and why they often go wrong—now with a new afterword by the author. A Best Book of the Year: The Financial Times, Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, and Detroit Free Press How did Fidel Castro fool the CIA for a generation? Why did Neville Chamberlain think he could trust Adolf Hitler? Why are campus sexual assaults on the rise? Do television sitcoms teach us something about the way we relate to one another that isn’t true? Talking to Strangers is a classically Gladwellian intellectual adventure, a challenging and controversial excursion through history, psychology, and scandals taken straight from the news. He revisits the deceptions of Bernie Madoff, the trial of Amanda Knox, the suicide of Sylvia Plath, the Jerry Sandusky pedophilia scandal at Penn State University, and the death of Sandra Bland—throwing our understanding of these and other stories into doubt. Something is very wrong, Gladwell argues, with the tools and strategies we use to make sense of people we don’t know. And because we don’t know how to talk to strangers, we are inviting conflict and misunderstanding in ways that have a profound effect on our lives and our world. In his first book since his #1 bestseller David and Goliath, Malcolm Gladwell has written a gripping guidebook for troubled times. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States National Research Council, Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences, Committee on Applied and Theoretical Statistics, Policy and Global Affairs, Committee on Science, Technology, and Law, Committee on Identifying the Needs of the Forensic Sciences Community, 2009-07-29 Scores of talented and dedicated people serve the forensic science community, performing vitally important work. However, they are often constrained by lack of adequate resources, sound policies, and national support. It is clear that change and advancements, both systematic and scientific, are needed in a number of forensic science disciplines to ensure the reliability of work, establish enforceable standards, and promote best practices with consistent application. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States: A Path Forward provides a detailed plan for addressing these needs and suggests the creation of a new government entity, the National Institute of Forensic Science, to establish and enforce standards within the forensic science community. The benefits of improving and regulating the forensic science disciplines are clear: assisting law enforcement officials, enhancing homeland security, and reducing the risk of wrongful conviction and exoneration. Strengthening Forensic Science in the United States gives a full account of what is needed to advance the forensic science disciplines, including upgrading of systems and organizational structures, better training, widespread adoption of uniform and enforceable best practices, and mandatory certification and accreditation programs. While this book provides an essential call-to-action for congress and policy makers, it also serves as a vital tool for law enforcement agencies, criminal prosecutors and attorneys, and forensic science educators. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Unfree Speech Samantha Sellinger, 2009-02-09 At a time when campaign finance reform is widely viewed as synonymous with cleaning up Washington and promoting political equality, Bradley Smith, a nationally recognized expert on campaign finance reform, argues that all restriction on campaign giving should be eliminated. In Unfree Speech, he presents a bold, convincing argument for the repeal of laws that regulate political spending and contributions, contending that they violate the right to free speech and ultimately diminish citizens' power. Smith demonstrates that these laws, which often force ordinary people making modest contributions of cash or labor to register with the Federal Election Commission or various state agencies, fail to accomplish their stated objectives. In fact, they have worked to entrench incumbents in office, deaden campaign discourse, burden grassroots political activity with needless regulation, and distance Americans from an increasingly professional, detached political class. Rather than attempting to plug loopholes in campaign finance law or instituting taxpayer-financed campaigns, Smith proposes a return to core First Amendment values of free speech and an unfettered right to engage in political activity. Smith finds that campaign contributions have little corrupting effect on the legislature and shows that an unrestrained system of contributions and spending actually enhances equality. More money, not less, is needed in the political system, Smith concludes. Unfree Speech draws upon constitutional law and historical research to explain why campaign finance regulation is doomed and to illustrate the potentially drastic costs of efforts to make it succeed. Whatever one thinks about the impact of money on electoral politics, no one should take a final stand without reading Smith's controversial and important arguments. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Hollywood's White House Peter C. Rollins, John E. O'Connor, 2010-09-12 Winner of the 2003 Ray and Pat Browne Book Award, given by the Popular Culture Association The contributors to Hollywood's White House examine the historical accuracy of these presidential depictions, illuminate their influence, and uncover how they reflect the concerns of their times and the social and political visions of the filmmakers. The volume, which includes a comprehensive filmography and a bibliography, is ideal for historians and film enthusiasts. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: The Hellfire Club Jake Tapper, 2018-04-24 A young Congressman stumbles on the powerful political underworld of 1950's D.C. in this potent thriller (David Baldacci) and New York Times bestseller from CNN correspondent Jake Tapper. Charlie Marder is an unlikely Congressman. Thrust into office by his family ties after his predecessor died mysteriously, Charlie is struggling to navigate the dangerous waters of 1950s Washington, DC, alongside his young wife Margaret, a zoologist with ambitions of her own. Amid the swirl of glamorous and powerful political leaders and deal makers, a mysterious fatal car accident thrusts Charlie and Margaret into an underworld of backroom deals, secret societies, and a plot that could change the course of history. When Charlie discovers a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of governance, he has to fight not only for his principles and his newfound political career...but for his life. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: The Boys in the Boat Daniel James Brown, 2013-06-04 Now a Major Motion Picture Directed by George Clooney The #1 New York Times–bestselling story about the American Olympic rowing triumph in Nazi Germany—from the author of Facing the Mountain. For readers of Unbroken, out of the depths of the Depression comes an irresistible story about beating the odds and finding hope in the most desperate of times—the improbable, intimate account of how nine working-class boys from the American West showed the world at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin what true grit really meant. It was an unlikely quest from the start. With a team composed of the sons of loggers, shipyard workers, and farmers, the University of Washington’s eight-oar crew team was never expected to defeat the elite teams of the East Coast and Great Britain, yet they did, going on to shock the world by defeating the German team rowing for Adolf Hitler. The emotional heart of the tale lies with Joe Rantz, a teenager without family or prospects, who rows not only to regain his shattered self-regard but also to find a real place for himself in the world. Drawing on the boys’ own journals and vivid memories of a once-in-a-lifetime shared dream, Brown has created an unforgettable portrait of an era, a celebration of a remarkable achievement, and a chronicle of one extraordinary young man’s personal quest. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Claude Rains David J. Skal, Jessica Rains, 2008-11-07 Late in Claude Rains's distinguished career, a reverent film journalist wrote that Rains was as much a cinematic institution as the medium itself. Given his childhood speech impediments and his origins in a destitute London neighborhood, the ascent of Claude Rains (1889–1967) to the stage and screen is remarkable. Rains's difficulties in his formative years provided reserves of gravitas and sensitivity, from which he drew inspiration for acclaimed performances in The Invisible Man (1933), Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), Casablanca (1942), Notorious (1946), Lawrence of Arabia (1962), and other classic films. In Claude Rains: An Actor's Voice, noted Hollywood historian David J. Skal draws on more than thirty hours of newly released Rains interviews to create the first full-length biography of the actor who was nominated multiple times for an Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actor. Skal's portrait of the gifted actor also benefits from the insights of Jessica Rains, who provides firsthand accounts of the enigmatic man behind her father's refined screen presence and genteel public persona. As Skal shows, numerous contradictions informed the life and career of Claude Rains. He possessed an air of nobility and became an emblem of sophistication, but he never shed the insecurities that traced back to his upbringing in an abusive and poverty-stricken family. Though deeply self-conscious about his short stature, Rains drew notorious ardor from female fans and was married six times. His public displays of dry wit and good humor masked inner demons that drove Rains to alcoholism and its devastating consequences. Skal's layered depiction of Claude Rains reveals a complex, almost inscrutable man whose nuanced characterizations were, in no small way, based on the more shadowy parts of his psyche. With unprecedented access to episodes from Rains's private life, Skal tells the full story of the consummate character actor of his generation. Claude Rains: An Actor's Voice, gives voice to the struggles and innermost concerns that influenced Rains's performances and helped him become a universally respected Hollywood legend. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Frank Capra Frank Capra, 2004 Few Hollywood directors had a higher profile in the 1930s than Frank Capra (1897-1991). He served as president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and of the Screen Directors Guild. He won three Academy Awards as best director and was widely acclaimed as the man most responsible for making Columbia Pictures a success. This popularity was established and sustained by films that spoke to and for the times--It Happened One Night, Mr. Deeds Goes to Town, Meet John Doe, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. These replicated the nation's hopes and dreams for a national community. He worked with some of the brightest stars in Hollywood--James Stewart, Clark Gable, Jean Arthur, Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Claudette Colbert, Bette Davis, Donna Reed, and Ann-Margret. Capra's interviews express his connection to the national audience and explore his own story. He was a Sicilian immigrant boy who survived rough-and-tumble beginnings to become Hollywood's most bankable director. In reflecting on his life, almost every one of his films was a parable of acclaim verging on disaster. He spent much of the 1940s in uniform while making films for the War Department. Although Capra was an optimist, World War II and his series of Why We Fight films called his legendary optimism into question. His postwar film It's a Wonderful Life (1946) gave an answer to those questions with an astonishing directness Capra never equaled again. In 1971 he published his autobiography, The Name Above the Title. Many of the interviews collected here come from this period when, as an elder statesman of motion picture art and history, he reflected on his long career. The interviews portray the Capra legend vividly and demonstrate why the warm relations between Capra and his audiences continue to inspire acclaim and admiration. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: What is Media Archaeology? Jussi Parikka, 2013-04-23 This cutting-edge text offers an introduction to the emerging field of media archaeology and analyses the innovative theoretical and artistic methodology used to excavate current media through its past. Written with a steampunk attitude, What is Media Archaeology? examines the theoretical challenges of studying digital culture and memory and opens up the sedimented layers of contemporary media culture. The author contextualizes media archaeology in relation to other key media studies debates including software studies, German media theory, imaginary media research, new materialism and digital humanities. What is Media Archaeology? advances an innovative theoretical position while also presenting an engaging and accessible overview for students of media, film and cultural studies. It will be essential reading for anyone interested in the interdisciplinary ties between art, technology and media. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Families Caring for an Aging America National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Health Care Services, Committee on Family Caregiving for Older Adults, 2016-12-08 Family caregiving affects millions of Americans every day, in all walks of life. At least 17.7 million individuals in the United States are caregivers of an older adult with a health or functional limitation. The nation's family caregivers provide the lion's share of long-term care for our older adult population. They are also central to older adults' access to and receipt of health care and community-based social services. Yet the need to recognize and support caregivers is among the least appreciated challenges facing the aging U.S. population. Families Caring for an Aging America examines the prevalence and nature of family caregiving of older adults and the available evidence on the effectiveness of programs, supports, and other interventions designed to support family caregivers. This report also assesses and recommends policies to address the needs of family caregivers and to minimize the barriers that they encounter in trying to meet the needs of older adults. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Keyframes: Popular Cinema and Cultural Studies Matthew Tinkcom, Amy Villarejo, 2003-08-29 Keyframes introduces the study of popular cinema of Hollywood and beyond and responds to the transformative effect of cultural studies on film studies. The contributors rethink contemporary film culture using ideas and concerns from feminism, queer theory, 'race' studies, critiques of nationalism, colonialism and post-colonialism, the cultural economies of fandom, spectator theory, and Marxism. Combining a film studies focus on the film industry, production and technology with a cultural studies analysis of consumption and audiences, Keframes demonstrates the breadth of approaches now available for understanding popular cinema. Subjects addressed include: * Studying Ripley and the 'Alien' films * Pedagogy and Political Correctness in Martial Arts cinema * Judy Garland fandom on the net * Stardom and serial fantasies: Thomas Harris's 'Hannibal' * Tom Hanks and the globalization of stars * Queer Bollywood * Jackie Chan and the Black connection * '12 Monkeys', postmodernism and urban space. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: "Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman!": Adventures of a Curious Character Richard P. Feynman, 2018-02-06 One of the most famous science books of our time, the phenomenal national bestseller that buzzes with energy, anecdote and life. It almost makes you want to become a physicist (Science Digest). Richard P. Feynman, winner of the Nobel Prize in physics, thrived on outrageous adventures. In this lively work that “can shatter the stereotype of the stuffy scientist” (Detroit Free Press), Feynman recounts his experiences trading ideas on atomic physics with Einstein and cracking the uncrackable safes guarding the most deeply held nuclear secrets—and much more of an eyebrow-raising nature. In his stories, Feynman’s life shines through in all its eccentric glory—a combustible mixture of high intelligence, unlimited curiosity, and raging chutzpah. Included for this edition is a new introduction by Bill Gates. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice, Committee on Public Health Approaches to Reduce Vision Impairment and Promote Eye Health, 2017-01-15 The ability to see deeply affects how human beings perceive and interpret the world around them. For most people, eyesight is part of everyday communication, social activities, educational and professional pursuits, the care of others, and the maintenance of personal health, independence, and mobility. Functioning eyes and vision system can reduce an adult's risk of chronic health conditions, death, falls and injuries, social isolation, depression, and other psychological problems. In children, properly maintained eye and vision health contributes to a child's social development, academic achievement, and better health across the lifespan. The public generally recognizes its reliance on sight and fears its loss, but emphasis on eye and vision health, in general, has not been integrated into daily life to the same extent as other health promotion activities, such as teeth brushing; hand washing; physical and mental exercise; and various injury prevention behaviors. A larger population health approach is needed to engage a wide range of stakeholders in coordinated efforts that can sustain the scope of behavior change. The shaping of socioeconomic environments can eventually lead to new social norms that promote eye and vision health. Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow proposes a new population-centered framework to guide action and coordination among various, and sometimes competing, stakeholders in pursuit of improved eye and vision health and health equity in the United States. Building on the momentum of previous public health efforts, this report also introduces a model for action that highlights different levels of prevention activities across a range of stakeholders and provides specific examples of how population health strategies can be translated into cohesive areas for action at federal, state, and local levels. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Congressional Record United States. Congress, 1968 |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: How Tobacco Smoke Causes Disease United States. Public Health Service. Office of the Surgeon General, 2010 This report considers the biological and behavioral mechanisms that may underlie the pathogenicity of tobacco smoke. Many Surgeon General's reports have considered research findings on mechanisms in assessing the biological plausibility of associations observed in epidemiologic studies. Mechanisms of disease are important because they may provide plausibility, which is one of the guideline criteria for assessing evidence on causation. This report specifically reviews the evidence on the potential mechanisms by which smoking causes diseases and considers whether a mechanism is likely to be operative in the production of human disease by tobacco smoke. This evidence is relevant to understanding how smoking causes disease, to identifying those who may be particularly susceptible, and to assessing the potential risks of tobacco products. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Who Stole the American Dream? Hedrick Smith, 2013-08-27 Pulitzer Prize winner Hedrick Smith’s new book is an extraordinary achievement, an eye-opening account of how, over the past four decades, the American Dream has been dismantled and we became two Americas. In his bestselling The Russians, Smith took millions of readers inside the Soviet Union. In The Power Game, he took us inside Washington’s corridors of power. Now Smith takes us across America to show how seismic changes, sparked by a sequence of landmark political and economic decisions, have transformed America. As only a veteran reporter can, Smith fits the puzzle together, starting with Lewis Powell’s provocative memo that triggered a political rebellion that dramatically altered the landscape of power from then until today. This is a book full of surprises and revelations—the accidental beginnings of the 401(k) plan, with disastrous economic consequences for many; the major policy changes that began under Jimmy Carter; how the New Economy disrupted America’s engine of shared prosperity, the “virtuous circle” of growth, and how America lost the title of “Land of Opportunity.” Smith documents the transfer of $6 trillion in middle-class wealth from homeowners to banks even before the housing boom went bust, and how the U.S. policy tilt favoring the rich is stunting America’s economic growth. This book is essential reading for all of us who want to understand America today, or why average Americans are struggling to keep afloat. Smith reveals how pivotal laws and policies were altered while the public wasn’t looking, how Congress often ignores public opinion, why moderate politicians got shoved to the sidelines, and how Wall Street often wins politically by hiring over 1,400 former government officials as lobbyists. Smith talks to a wide range of people, telling the stories of Americans high and low. From political leaders such as Bill Clinton, Newt Gingrich, and Martin Luther King, Jr., to CEOs such as Al Dunlap, Bob Galvin, and Andy Grove, to heartland Middle Americans such as airline mechanic Pat O’Neill, software systems manager Kristine Serrano, small businessman John Terboss, and subcontractor Eliseo Guardado, Smith puts a human face on how middle-class America and the American Dream have been undermined. This magnificent work of history and reportage is filled with the penetrating insights, provocative discoveries, and the great empathy of a master journalist. Finally, Smith offers ideas for restoring America’s great promise and reclaiming the American Dream. Praise for Who Stole the American Dream? “[A] sweeping, authoritative examination of the last four decades of the American economic experience.”—The Huffington Post “Some fine work has been done in explaining the mess we’re in. . . . But no book goes to the headwaters with the precision, detail and accessibility of Smith.”—The Seattle Times “Sweeping in scope . . . [Smith] posits some steps that could alleviate the problems of the United States.”—USA Today “Brilliant . . . [a] remarkably comprehensive and coherent analysis of and prescriptions for America’s contemporary economic malaise.”—Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Smith enlivens his narrative with portraits of the people caught up in events, humanizing complex subjects often rendered sterile in economic analysis. . . . The human face of the story is inseparable from the history.”—Reuters |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Harvey Mary Chase, 1971 THE STORY: When Elwood P. Dowd starts to introduce his imaginary friend, Harvey, a six-and-a-half-foot rabbit, to guests at a society party, his sister, Veta, has seen as much of his eccentric behavior as she can tolerate. She decides to have him c |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Pain Management and the Opioid Epidemic National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Health Sciences Policy, Committee on Pain Management and Regulatory Strategies to Address Prescription Opioid Abuse, 2017-09-28 Drug overdose, driven largely by overdose related to the use of opioids, is now the leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. The ongoing opioid crisis lies at the intersection of two public health challenges: reducing the burden of suffering from pain and containing the rising toll of the harms that can arise from the use of opioid medications. Chronic pain and opioid use disorder both represent complex human conditions affecting millions of Americans and causing untold disability and loss of function. In the context of the growing opioid problem, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) launched an Opioids Action Plan in early 2016. As part of this plan, the FDA asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to convene a committee to update the state of the science on pain research, care, and education and to identify actions the FDA and others can take to respond to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on informing FDA's development of a formal method for incorporating individual and societal considerations into its risk-benefit framework for opioid approval and monitoring. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: Taking a Stand Rand Paul, 2015-05-26 Senator Rand Paul, leading national politician and 2016 Presidential candidate, presents his vision for America. From his electrifying thirteen-hour filibuster against administration-orchestrated drone strikes against U.S. citizens, to leading the discourse on criminal justice, Senator Rand Paul has taken Washington by storm. His outreach to this country's minority communities alone- championing reforms of mandatory minimum sentencing, school choice, and the creation of enterprise zones for economically depressed areas- distinguishes him as a politician and Republican the likes of which are rarely seen. What lies ahead is Senator Paul's plan for America, where lower taxes and smaller government empower a muscular and expansive middle class; an America that doesn't engage in nation-building or fight wars where the best outcome is stalemate; an America that believes in constitutionally protected liberty and the separation of powers. |
| mr smith goes to washington questions: The World Book Encyclopedia , 2002 An encyclopedia designed especially to meet the needs of elementary, junior high, and senior high school students. |
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Flashcards - Quizlet
1. Who died at the start of the movie? 2. How did mr. Smith feel about his position at the start of the movie? How does he feel about it after the press club? 3. Why is mr. Smith REALLY in …
Mr. Smith goes to Washington questions Flashcards - Quizlet
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Essay Questions | GradeSaver
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington study guide contains a biography of Frank Capra, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Questions and Answers
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Quizzes - GradeSaver
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington study guide contains a biography of Frank Capra, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best …
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Questions and Answers. The Question and Answer section for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the …
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Flashcards - Quizlet
1. Who died at the start of the movie? 2. How did mr. Smith feel about his position at the start of the movie? How does he feel about it after the press club? 3. Why is mr. Smith REALLY in …
Mr. Smith goes to Washington questions Flashcards - Quizlet
Why does the press say they're the only ones who could tell the truth? What does Senator Paine suggests senator smith do to cheer him up after the press corps make fun of him? Why does …
Video Questions: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Flashcards
Why are the people of the state so happy that Jefferson Smith has become Senator? Because he's naive, not corrupted by big city politics, he's not a yes man. See an expert-written answer!
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Essay Questions | GradeSaver
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington study guide contains a biography of Frank Capra, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Questions and Answers
Oct 16, 2024 · Join the discussion about Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Ask and answer questions about the novel or view Study Guides, Literature Essays and more. Best summary PDF, themes, …
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Quizzes - GradeSaver
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington study guide contains a biography of Frank Capra, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis. Best summary PDF, …
Mr Smith Goes to Washington | 118 plays - Quizizz
Mr Smith Goes to Washington quiz for 9th grade students. Find other quizzes for History and more on Quizizz for free!
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Questions Flashcards - Quizlet
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Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Multiple Choice Quiz | M | 10 Questions
Dec 3, 2021 · Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Trivia Quiz. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" (1939) is Frank Capra's love letter to American democracy. See how much you remember about one of the …
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Characters | GradeSaver
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Questions and Answers. The Question and Answer section for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the …
