This document is a correction guide for an exam on American civilization given in May 2016 at the Superior Institute of Languages in Nabeul, Tunisia. It provides the questions and answers about a speech given by John F. Kennedy called "I Believe in an America Where the Separation of Church and State is Absolute." The speech addressed why his Catholic faith required an explanation during his campaign due to historical anti-Catholic sentiment. It also analyzed why religious freedom was enshrined in the American Constitution despite a dominant Protestant population. The document then describes a political cartoon from after 9/11 promoting unity among all Americans, including Muslims.

1. Université de Carthage 2015-2016
Institut Supérieur des Langues de Nabeul
CORRIGE
Epreuve de …Civilisation …Américaine………………………… Session : Mai 2016
Niveau d’étude : 1ère
année………………….…….…… Filière : Ang App & Ang Fond
Note for correction:
Scoring will take into account both language and content in equal
proportions…………………….……………
'I Believe in an America Where the
Separation of Church and State is Absolute'
I- Read the Text and answer the following questions. (13 pts)
1- Why did Kennedy have to deliver such a speech during his campaign for
the presidential election? (2pts)
Kennedy is catholic
Many opposed his candidature/presidency
All his predecessors were protestants
2- What historical evidence does Kennedy give for religious freedom? (2pts)
“forefathers died--when they fled here to escape religious test oaths that denied
office to members of less favored churches--when they fought for the Constitution”
Reference to pilgrim fathers/ puritans. Fled religious persecution. Looking for
religious freedom.
Had religious freedom enshrined in American constitution : 1st
amendment states no
official religion and protects freedom of religious practice and faith”
3- Based on the text, why were Catholics regarded with suspicion and why
was their loyalty questioned? (3pts)
Suspicion for religious reasons and also economic reasons
Eco: most Catholics were poor (either Ireland, Italy, Mexico) they accepted low
paid jobs and were accused of lowering wages (minor argument)
Relig: Catholics as opposed to protestants follow the instructions of the Pope in
their religious practice: accused of paying allegiance to the Vatican/the Pope and
not to the American flag. …………………………
Identifiant
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doubles

2. 4- In a highly religious country with a clear dominance of Protestant
denominations, explain why religious freedom was enshrined in the
American constitution. (6pts)
- The American religious paradox
- America highly religious country. Religion visible everywhere. Coins, motto,
official ceremonies….
- Clear Protestant domination in politics (presidents of the US)
- Protestants dominate not only politics but also the other spheres
- Wasps symbolize mainstream Americans to which all minorities need to
identify
- Despite this domination and the fact that those who wrote American
constitution were protestant, religious freedom is enshrined in American
constitution 1st
Amendment
- Pilgrim fathers were prosecuted for religious reasons and immigrated to
America looking for religious freedom
- Did not want to impose any religion
- Wanted to grant religious freedom to all based on their experience
NE RIEN ECRIRE ICI

3. II- Describe the picture below and comment on the message it conveys (7pts)
We’re all Americans
Nick Anderson, September, 16th
2001. Mediacorp.
Description:
Bonus for noting the date that is a few days after September 11th
2 pictures
Left A man holding the Am Flag saying….
Right : withdrawing the flag, looks angry, on his right a woman wearing a veil with
a flag in her hand (muslim American)
Comment:
America made up of ethnic & religious diversity. American motto E Pluribus
Unum, that is unity out of diversity.
After the attacks of 9/11 Americans were called to unite under the flag.
Muslim Americans were excluded or even persecuted.
Muslim Americans well integrated into American economy and society.
However
The image of Islam and Muslims in America deteriorated after terrorist attacks.
Often associated with terrorism.
…Recently Trump attack on Muslims confirms this attitude among a number of
radical Americans
…………………