0

Political Satire and Humor: Using Wit to Critique Power

Description: Political satire and humor have long been used as powerful tools to critique power and hold those in authority accountable. This quiz will test your knowledge of the history, techniques, and impact of political satire and humor.
Number of Questions: 15
Created by:
Tags: political satire humor critique power
Attempted 0/15 Correct 0 Score 0

Which of the following is NOT a common technique used in political satire?

  1. Exaggeration

  2. Irony

  3. Sarcasm

  4. Propaganda


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Propaganda is a form of communication that is used to promote a particular point of view, often without regard for the truth. Political satire, on the other hand, is intended to criticize and ridicule those in power, and it often uses humor to do so.

Who is considered to be one of the earliest known political satirists?

  1. Aristophanes

  2. Juvenal

  3. Horace

  4. Mark Twain


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Aristophanes was a Greek playwright who lived in the 5th century BC. He is best known for his comedies, which often satirized politicians and other powerful figures.

What is the name of the satirical magazine that was founded in the United Kingdom in 1841?

  1. Punch

  2. The Spectator

  3. The Economist

  4. The Guardian


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Punch was a satirical magazine that was founded in London in 1841. It was known for its political cartoons and humorous articles, and it played a significant role in shaping public opinion in the United Kingdom.

Which American political satirist is known for his sharp wit and his ability to skewer politicians from both sides of the aisle?

  1. Jon Stewart

  2. Stephen Colbert

  3. Bill Maher

  4. John Oliver


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Jon Stewart is an American political satirist who is known for his sharp wit and his ability to skewer politicians from both sides of the aisle. He hosted The Daily Show on Comedy Central from 1999 to 2015.

What is the name of the satirical news website that was founded in 2004?

  1. The Onion

  2. The Daily Show

  3. The Colbert Report

  4. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Onion is a satirical news website that was founded in 1994. It is known for its humorous articles and videos, which often poke fun at current events and political figures.

Which of the following is NOT a common target of political satire?

  1. Politicians

  2. Celebrities

  3. The media

  4. Religion


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Religion is a sensitive topic that is often avoided by political satirists, as it can be difficult to make fun of without offending people.

What is the name of the satirical novel that was written by George Orwell in 1945?

  1. Animal Farm

  2. 1984

  3. Brave New World

  4. Fahrenheit 451


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Animal Farm is a satirical novel that was written by George Orwell in 1945. It tells the story of a group of animals who rebel against their human farmer and establish their own society, but eventually become just as corrupt and oppressive as the humans they overthrew.

Which of the following is NOT a common theme in political satire?

  1. Hypocrisy

  2. Corruption

  3. Incompetence

  4. Patriotism


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Patriotism is a positive emotion that is often associated with love of country. It is not a common theme in political satire, which is more focused on criticizing and ridiculing those in power.

What is the name of the satirical film that was directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1964?

  1. Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

  2. 2001: A Space Odyssey

  3. A Clockwork Orange

  4. The Shining


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a satirical film that was directed by Stanley Kubrick in 1964. It tells the story of a group of American generals who launch a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union after a misunderstanding.

Which of the following is NOT a common technique used in political humor?

  1. Puns

  2. Caricatures

  3. Impersonations

  4. Propaganda


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Propaganda is a form of communication that is used to promote a particular point of view, often without regard for the truth. Political humor, on the other hand, is intended to make people laugh and to criticize those in power, and it often uses humor to do so.

Who is considered to be one of the most influential political satirists of all time?

  1. Mark Twain

  2. Jonathan Swift

  3. Voltaire

  4. George Orwell


Correct Option: B
Explanation:

Jonathan Swift is considered to be one of the most influential political satirists of all time. He is best known for his novel Gulliver's Travels, which satirizes the political and social conditions of his time.

What is the name of the satirical play that was written by Aristophanes in 425 BC?

  1. The Clouds

  2. The Wasps

  3. The Frogs

  4. The Birds


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Clouds is a satirical play that was written by Aristophanes in 425 BC. It tells the story of a young man who goes to a school for philosophers and learns how to argue both sides of any issue. He then uses his newfound skills to swindle his creditors.

Which of the following is NOT a common target of political satire in the United States?

  1. The President

  2. Congress

  3. The Supreme Court

  4. The media


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

The media is often a target of political satire in the United States, but it is not as common as satire of politicians and other government officials.

What is the name of the satirical news program that was hosted by Jon Stewart from 1999 to 2015?

  1. The Daily Show

  2. The Colbert Report

  3. Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

  4. Full Frontal with Samantha Bee


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

The Daily Show is a satirical news program that was hosted by Jon Stewart from 1999 to 2015. The show was known for its sharp wit and its ability to skewer politicians from both sides of the aisle.

Which of the following is NOT a common technique used in political satire in the United Kingdom?

  1. Caricatures

  2. Impersonations

  3. Puns

  4. Propaganda


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Propaganda is a form of communication that is used to promote a particular point of view, often without regard for the truth. Political satire, on the other hand, is intended to criticize and ridicule those in power, and it often uses humor to do so.

- Hide questions