Just as he was an Elk, a Booster and a member of the Chamber of Commerce, just as the priests of the Presbyterian Church determi
ned his every religious belief and the senators who controlled the Republican Party decided in little smoky rooms in Washington what he should think about disarmament, tariff, and Germany, so did the large national advertisers fix the surface of his life, fix what he believed to be his individuality. These standard advertised wares -- toothpastes, socks, tires, cameras, and instantaneous hot water heaters -- were his symbols and proofs of excellence; at first the signs, then the substitutes, for joy and passion and wisdom. Background information: Sinclair Lewis was an American writer of the 1920s. This passage comes from his novel, Babbitt, in which he is critical of capitalism and middle-class values.
According to the narrator in this passage, who is shaping Babbitt’s beliefs and opinions? Check all that apply.
his church
the Republican party
his wife
national advertisers
the government of Germany
Answer: His church, the Republican party, national advertisers
Explanation: The author states the Presbiteryan church determined his every religious belief. He says the Republican party decides what he should think. He claims that the large national advertisers fix the surface of his life.
In Dred Scott v. Sandford (argued 1856 -- decided 1857), the Supreme Court ruled that Americans of African descent, whether free or slave, were not American citizens and could not sue in federal court. The Court also ruled that Congress lacked power to ban slavery in the U.S. territories.
