Questions for FDR Speech, and Taft Speech (Answer each of these questions in your notebook)
1. List Senator Taft’s criticisms of the New Deal.
2. What is Roosevelt’s justification for spending federal money on relief programs at a time
when the federal government needs to reduce spending?
3. How does Taft propose to solve the problem of unemployment?
4. Summarize, in 20 words or less, FDR’s position on direct relief (government payments to
individuals).
5. Summarize, in 20 words or less, Senator Taft’s position on direct relief.
6. Assume that Roosevelt and Taft are opposing each other in a Presidential election. Develop
three questions to ask each candidate during a debate.
7. Brainstorm a list: How could FDR have used “What if Our Check Does Not Come?” to
support his argument?
8. Brainstorm a list: How could Senator Taft have used “What if Our Check Does Not
Come?” to support his argument?