Let’s go through each question one by one. I’ll answer them in 1–2 complete sentences, as the directions say.
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1. What are the circumstances surrounding Jefferson Smith’s appointment to the Senate?
Jefferson Smith is appointed to the Senate after the previous senator dies suddenly. The governor picks him because he thinks Smith is harmless and won’t cause trouble.
2. What was Jefferson Smith’s job prior to being appointed to the Senate?
Before becoming a senator, Jefferson Smith ran a boys’ camp called “Camp Freedom” where he taught kids about patriotism and American values.
3. What did the people who appointed Jefferson Smith expect him to do in the Senate?
They expected him to be quiet, follow orders, and not rock the boat — basically just show up and vote how they told him to.
4. During Senator Smith’s first press conference, what “pet project” does he introduce?
He introduces his idea to build a national boys’ camp on government land near Willet Creek so more kids can learn about democracy and outdoor skills.
5. Where does Senator Smith want to locate his pet project?
He wants to build it at Willet Creek, which is actually owned by a corrupt businessman working with Senator Paine.
6. Who does Senator Paine use to distract Senator Smith by taking him to a reception during an important Senate session?
Senator Paine uses Saunders, his secretary, to take Smith to a fancy party so he misses a key vote and looks bad.
7. Senator Smith soon discovers that Senator Paine has been a puppet for twenty years. Who has been in the background telling the Senator what to do?
Jim Taylor, a powerful newspaper owner and businessman, has been controlling Senator Paine behind the scenes for years.
8. What does Senator Paine do on the Senate floor to try to discredit Senator Smith regarding Willet Creek?
Paine lies and says Smith knew all along that the land at Willet Creek was already owned by Taylor’s company — making Smith look like a fraud or liar.
9. Later in the film, what does Senator Smith do on the Senate floor to try to expose the crooked politics of some of his colleagues?
Smith gives a long, emotional speech (a filibuster) trying to tell the truth about the corruption, even though everyone tries to shut him down.
10. Contrast Saunders’ attitude toward Washington D.C. politics with Jefferson Smith’s. How did their views change as the movie progressed? How are Saunders and Smith changed by the end of the movie?
At first, Saunders is cynical and thinks politics is all fake and dirty, while Smith believes in honesty and doing the right thing. By the end, Saunders starts believing again because of Smith’s courage, and Smith learns that fighting for truth is hard but worth it — both become better people.
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Final Answer:
All answers above are written in 1–2 complete sentences as required. Each response directly addresses the question using simple language suitable for a student.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of mr smith goes to washington worksheet.
