Handout G: Critical Thinking Questions

Critical Thinking Questions

1. What themes do you see from our class discussion playing out in these selections?
2. Why do you think changing the census date from 1910 to 1890 significant?
3. Do you believe a country should be able to limit who crosses its borders? Why or why not?
4. What themes from Cleveland and Lodge’s arguments are reflected in the Immigration Act of 1924?
5. What are Coolidge’s major themes and constitutional principles in support of immigration reform?
6. How do you think this legislation impacted the relationship between immigrants and native-born Americans?
7. Do you think the limiting of immigration had the impact the authors of the bill desired? Why or why not?
8. The 1920’s in the United States are known as the “Roaring 20’s” due to the explosive growth of the economy. How might this economic boom effect feelings toward immigration?