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American Enterprise Institute Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The American Enterprise Institute: History, Policy, and Influence

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The American Enterprise Institute: History, Policy, and Influence Study Guide

Founding and Early Evolution (1938-1962)

The American Enterprise Institute was originally founded in 1938 as the American Economic Association (AEA).

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute was originally founded in 1938 as the American Enterprise Association (AEA), not the American Economic Association.

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Lewis H. Brown led a group of New York businessmen in founding the American Enterprise Association in 1938, with executives from companies like Bristol-Myers and Chrysler among them.

Answer: True

Explanation: Lewis H. Brown spearheaded the establishment of the American Enterprise Association in 1938, involving New York businessmen from various corporations, including Bristol-Myers and Chrysler.

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The AEA's initial work in Washington, D.C., focused on directly lobbying Congress for specific business interests.

Answer: False

Explanation: The AEA's initial work in Washington, D.C., involved commissioning and distributing legislative analyses to Congress, rather than direct lobbying for specific business interests.

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After Lewis H. Brown's death, the AEA was revived in 1952 by a group including Melvin Laird and William J. Baroody Sr.

Answer: True

Explanation: Following Lewis H. Brown's death, the AEA was revitalized in 1952 through the efforts of a group of policymakers and public intellectuals, including Melvin Laird and William J. Baroody Sr.

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The AEA changed its name to the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in 1962 to better reflect its new focus on international relations.

Answer: False

Explanation: The AEA changed its name to the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in 1962 to avoid confusion with a trade association and to clarify its identity as a research institution, not specifically due to a new focus on international relations.

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What was the original name of the American Enterprise Institute when it was founded in 1938?

Answer: The American Enterprise Association

Explanation: When established in 1938, the American Enterprise Institute was initially known as the American Enterprise Association.

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Who led the group of New York businessmen that founded the American Enterprise Association in 1938?

Answer: Lewis H. Brown

Explanation: Lewis H. Brown was the leader of the New York businessmen who founded the American Enterprise Association in 1938.

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What was the initial focus of the American Enterprise Association's work in Washington, D.C.?

Answer: Commissioning and distributing legislative analyses to Congress

Explanation: The American Enterprise Association's initial activities in Washington, D.C., centered on commissioning and disseminating legislative analyses to Congress.

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Who was instrumental in the revival of the American Enterprise Association in 1952 after Lewis H. Brown's death?

Answer: Melvin Laird and William J. Baroody Sr.

Explanation: Melvin Laird and William J. Baroody Sr. were key figures in the revitalization of the American Enterprise Association in 1952, following the death of Lewis H. Brown.

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Why did the American Enterprise Association change its name to the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in 1962?

Answer: To prevent confusion with a trade association representing business interests.

Explanation: The American Enterprise Association adopted the name American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research in 1962 to distinguish itself from a trade association and to clearly define its role as a research institution.

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Expansion and Ideological Development (1962-1986)

William J. Baroody Sr. served as president of AEI from 1954 to 1978 and significantly expanded its financial base.

Answer: True

Explanation: William J. Baroody Sr. held the presidency of AEI from 1962 to 1978, having previously served as executive vice president, and was instrumental in expanding the organization's financial base.

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AEI faced an IRS investigation after William J. Baroody Sr. and his staff advised Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign.

Answer: True

Explanation: AEI underwent an IRS investigation following the involvement of William J. Baroody Sr. and his staff as policy advisers for Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign.

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During William J. Baroody Sr.'s tenure, former President Richard Nixon joined AEI as a distinguished fellow.

Answer: False

Explanation: During William J. Baroody Sr.'s leadership, former President Gerald Ford, not Richard Nixon, joined AEI as a 'distinguished fellow' in 1977.

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William J. Baroody Sr. expanded AEI's intellectual scope by recruiting neoconservatives who supported the welfare state.

Answer: False

Explanation: William J. Baroody Sr. recruited neoconservatives who were disillusioned with the perceived failures of the welfare state, not those who supported it.

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Jeane Kirkpatrick's publication 'Dictatorships and Double Standards' at AEI led to her appointment as U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations.

Answer: True

Explanation: Jeane Kirkpatrick's influential work 'Dictatorships and Double Standards,' published during her time at AEI, captured Ronald Reagan's attention and resulted in her appointment as U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations.

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By 1980, AEI's budget had increased to $8 million, and its staff had grown to 125 individuals.

Answer: True

Explanation: By 1980, AEI experienced significant growth, with its budget reaching $8 million and its staff expanding to 125 individuals.

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AEI gained prominence during the Reagan administration as a leading intellectual home for Keynesian economics.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Reagan administration, AEI rose to prominence as the primary intellectual home for supply-side economics and neoconservatism, not Keynesian economics.

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Irving Kristol, considered a founding father of neoconservatism, was a senior fellow at AEI, and the institute issues an award in his honor.

Answer: True

Explanation: Irving Kristol, recognized as a founding figure of neoconservatism, was a senior fellow at AEI, which subsequently established the 'Irving Kristol Award' in his honor.

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What was the consequence of William J. Baroody Sr. and his staff's involvement in Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign?

Answer: AEI came under scrutiny from the IRS, leading to an investigation.

Explanation: The involvement of William J. Baroody Sr. and his staff in Barry Goldwater's 1964 presidential campaign resulted in a two-year IRS investigation into AEI.

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Which former U.S. President joined AEI as a 'distinguished fellow' in 1977 during William J. Baroody Sr.'s leadership?

Answer: Gerald Ford

Explanation: Former U.S. President Gerald Ford joined AEI as a 'distinguished fellow' in 1977, during the leadership of William J. Baroody Sr.

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How did William J. Baroody Sr. expand AEI's intellectual scope regarding neoconservatives?

Answer: He actively recruited neoconservatives who were disillusioned with the perceived failures of the welfare state.

Explanation: William J. Baroody Sr. broadened AEI's intellectual focus by actively recruiting neoconservatives who were critical of the welfare state and Cold War hawks.

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What publication by Jeane Kirkpatrick at AEI led to her appointment as U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations?

Answer: 'Dictatorships and Double Standards'

Explanation: Jeane Kirkpatrick's publication 'Dictatorships and Double Standards' at AEI was instrumental in her appointment as U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations.

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By 1980, what was the approximate budget and staff size of AEI?

Answer: Budget $8 million, staff 125

Explanation: By 1980, AEI's budget had grown to $8 million, and its staff numbered 125 individuals.

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During which U.S. presidential administration did AEI 'rise to prominence' as the primary intellectual home for supply-side economics and neoconservatism?

Answer: Reagan administration

Explanation: AEI achieved significant prominence during the Reagan administration, becoming a leading intellectual center for supply-side economics and neoconservatism.

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Who is widely considered one of the founding fathers of neoconservatism and was a senior fellow at AEI, with an award issued in his honor?

Answer: Irving Kristol

Explanation: Irving Kristol, a senior fellow at AEI, is widely regarded as a founding father of neoconservatism, and the institute bestows an award in his name.

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Modern Leadership and Political Engagement (1986-Present)

Christopher DeMuth served as AEI's president for 22 years, starting in December 1986.

Answer: True

Explanation: Christopher DeMuth commenced his presidency of AEI in December 1986 and held the position for 22 years.

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AEI hired Charles Murray in 1990 and received support from the Ford Foundation for his book, The Bell Curve.

Answer: False

Explanation: AEI hired Charles Murray in 1990 and received support from the Bradley Foundation for his book, 'The Bell Curve,' after the Manhattan Institute had dropped him.

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AEI had close ties to the George W. Bush administration, with President Bush acknowledging that he borrowed some of AEI's 'best people'.

Answer: True

Explanation: AEI maintained strong connections with the George W. Bush administration, with President Bush himself noting that he drew upon some of AEI's 'best people' for his administration.

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Arthur C. Brooks succeeded Christopher DeMuth as president of AEI in 2009 and adopted a more aggressive stance against the Barack Obama administration's policies.

Answer: True

Explanation: Arthur C. Brooks assumed the presidency of AEI in 2009, succeeding Christopher DeMuth, and subsequently positioned the institute to adopt a more assertive approach in response to the policies of the Barack Obama administration.

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David Frum's residency at AEI was terminated because he publicly supported the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Answer: False

Explanation: David Frum's residency at AEI was terminated after he publicly criticized the Republican Party's stance on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in a blog post, not because he supported the act.

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Who succeeded William J. Baroody Jr. as president of AEI in December 1986 and served for 22 years?

Answer: Christopher DeMuth

Explanation: Christopher DeMuth succeeded William J. Baroody Jr. as president of AEI in December 1986, serving for 22 years.

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What was the relationship between AEI and the George W. Bush administration?

Answer: AEI had close ties, with many staff members serving in Bush administration policy posts.

Explanation: AEI maintained close ties with the George W. Bush administration, with numerous staff members holding policy positions or serving on government commissions.

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How did Arthur C. Brooks position AEI during the Barack Obama administration?

Answer: He positioned AEI to be much more aggressive in responding to Obama administration policies.

Explanation: Arthur C. Brooks strategically positioned AEI to adopt a more aggressive stance in response to the policies of the Barack Obama administration.

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What was the primary reason for the controversy surrounding the termination of David Frum's residency at AEI?

Answer: He criticized the Republican Party's stance on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in a blog post.

Explanation: The controversy surrounding David Frum's departure from AEI stemmed from his blog post criticizing the Republican Party's position on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

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Economic and Regulatory Policy Research

The AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies operated from 1998 to 2008 and featured Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer as a speaker.

Answer: True

Explanation: The AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies, also known as the Reg-Markets Center, operated from 1998 to 2008 and hosted Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer as a distinguished lecturer.

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What was the AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies known as from 1998 to 2008?

Answer: The Reg-Markets Center

Explanation: From 1998 to 2008, the AEI-Brookings Joint Center for Regulatory Studies was also known as the Reg-Markets Center.

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Who directs AEI's economic policy studies program?

Answer: Michael R. Strain

Explanation: Michael R. Strain is the director of AEI's economic policy studies program.

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What did John H. Makin conclude in his 2002 report regarding President Bush's tax cuts?

Answer: They played a large role in helping to save the economy from a recession.

Explanation: In his 2002 report, John H. Makin concluded that President Bush's tax cuts were instrumental in averting an economic recession.

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What warnings did Peter J. Wallison of AEI issue prior to the 2008 financial crisis regarding Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?

Answer: He warned that their public-private status and eased credit requirements exposed taxpayers to increased risk.

Explanation: Prior to the 2008 financial crisis, Peter J. Wallison of AEI warned that the hybrid public-private structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, coupled with relaxed credit standards, heightened taxpayer exposure to risk.

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According to Jane Mayer's book 'Dark Money,' what role did AEI take regarding the 2008 financial crisis narrative?

Answer: It took a lead role in crafting a revisionist narrative blaming government programs for low-income homebuyers.

Explanation: In 'Dark Money,' Jane Mayer asserts that AEI played a significant role in constructing a revisionist narrative of the 2008 financial crisis, attributing the collapse to government programs for low-income homebuyers.

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What alternative climate policy has AEI promoted as superior to cap-and-trade regimes?

Answer: Carbon taxation.

Explanation: AEI has advocated for carbon taxation as a superior alternative to cap-and-trade regimes for climate policy, arguing it would create a market price for carbon emissions and incentivize reductions.

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Foreign, Defense, and Domestic Policy Research

AEI staff, particularly Frederick W. Kagan, provided a strategic framework for the 2007 troop surge in Afghanistan.

Answer: False

Explanation: AEI staff, notably Frederick W. Kagan, provided a strategic framework for the 2007 troop surge in Iraq, not Afghanistan.

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AEI has close ties with pro-Brexit politicians in the British Labour Party.

Answer: False

Explanation: AEI maintains close ties with pro-Brexit politicians in the British Conservative Party, not the Labour Party.

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AEI's foreign and defense policy studies department is directed by Danielle Pletka and is most commonly associated with libertarianism.

Answer: False

Explanation: AEI's foreign and defense policy studies department, directed by Danielle Pletka, is most commonly associated with neoconservatism, not libertarianism.

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AEI's Critical Threats Project, launched in 2009, primarily focuses on domestic terrorism threats within the United States.

Answer: False

Explanation: AEI's Critical Threats Project, initiated in 2009, primarily focuses on global challenges facing the U.S., with a specific emphasis on Iran and al Qaeda's international influence, rather than solely domestic terrorism.

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AEI's Asia studies program covers topics such as China's rise, Taiwan's security, and the threat of a nuclear North Korea.

Answer: True

Explanation: AEI's Asia studies program addresses key regional issues including China's growing influence, Taiwan's security concerns, and the nuclear threat posed by North Korea.

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In 2010, AEI published 'A Better Prescription' to advocate for a government-controlled healthcare system.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2010, AEI published 'A Better Prescription' to advocate for a consumer-controlled, market-based healthcare system, not a government-controlled one.

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Sally Satel, an AEI resident fellow, argued in 2004 that typical OxyContin addicts were primarily pain patients who unwittingly became addicted.

Answer: False

Explanation: In 2004, AEI resident fellow Sally Satel argued that typical OxyContin addicts were seasoned drug abusers, not primarily pain patients who unwittingly became addicted.

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Ted Frank, director of the AEI Legal Center, focuses his research on liability law and tort reform.

Answer: True

Explanation: Ted Frank, as director of the AEI Legal Center, dedicates his research to liability law and the reform of tort law.

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Norman J. Ornstein, an AEI scholar, headed a working group that helped draft the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002.

Answer: True

Explanation: AEI scholar Norman J. Ornstein led a working group that contributed to the drafting of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act of 2002.

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A 2024 report co-authored by AEI and The Heritage Foundation recommended that higher education institutions should provide faculty stipends for joining professional organizations.

Answer: False

Explanation: A 2024 report co-authored by AEI and The Heritage Foundation argued against higher education institutions providing faculty stipends for joining professional organizations, citing concerns about political statements.

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Which AEI staff member provided a strategic framework for the 2007 troop surge in Iraq?

Answer: Frederick W. Kagan

Explanation: Frederick W. Kagan, an AEI staff member, developed a strategic framework for the 2007 troop surge in Iraq.

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Which British political party's pro-Brexit politicians have close ties with AEI?

Answer: Conservative Party

Explanation: AEI maintains close ties with pro-Brexit politicians from the British Conservative Party.

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Which AEI department is most commonly associated with neoconservatism?

Answer: Foreign and defense policy studies

Explanation: AEI's foreign and defense policy studies department is the institutional component most frequently identified with neoconservatism.

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What was the primary focus of AEI's Critical Threats Project, launched in 2009?

Answer: Highlighting global challenges facing the U.S., with a focus on Iran and al Qaeda.

Explanation: The Critical Threats Project, launched by AEI in 2009, aimed to illuminate complex global challenges confronting the United States, particularly those posed by Iran and al Qaeda.

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What is a long-term focus of AEI's health care policy studies?

Answer: Promoting market-based solutions for national insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

Explanation: A long-term objective of AEI's health care policy studies is to promote market-based solutions for national insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid.

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Who is the director of the AEI Legal Center, focusing on liability law and tort reform?

Answer: Ted Frank

Explanation: Ted Frank serves as the director of the AEI Legal Center, with a research focus on liability law and tort reform.

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What was the subject of a 2024 report co-authored by AEI and The Heritage Foundation concerning higher education?

Answer: Arguing against faculty stipends for joining professional organizations that make political statements.

Explanation: A 2024 report co-authored by AEI and The Heritage Foundation addressed higher education, arguing against faculty stipends for professional organizations that engage in political statements.

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Organizational Structure, Affiliations, and Funding

The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research is commonly known as AEI and is headquartered in New York City.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research, commonly known as AEI, is headquartered in Washington, D.C., not New York City.

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AEI advocates for principles such as private enterprise, limited government, and democratic capitalism, aligning with conservative economic and political thought.

Answer: True

Explanation: AEI's political alignment is with conservatism, and it champions private enterprise, limited government, and democratic capitalism as core tenets.

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The American Enterprise Institute is primarily funded by government grants and is governed by a 50-member Board of Directors.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute is primarily funded by contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals, not government grants, and is governed by a 29-member Board of Trustees.

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Robert Doar is the current president of AEI, and the organization has approximately 185 associated authors.

Answer: True

Explanation: Robert Doar serves as the current president of AEI, which has approximately 185 associated authors contributing to its research.

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As of 2025, Daniel A. D'Aniello chairs AEI's board of directors, which includes notable trustees like Dick DeVos and Ross Perot Jr.

Answer: True

Explanation: As of 2025, Daniel A. D'Aniello serves as the chair of AEI's board of directors, with prominent trustees including Dick DeVos and Ross Perot Jr.

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The American Enterprise Institute is a member of the Atlas Network of free market think tanks and a full member of the State Policy Network.

Answer: False

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute is a member of the Atlas Network and an *associate* member of the State Policy Network, not a full member.

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Paul Ryan has described AEI as 'one of the beachheads of the modern conservative movement'.

Answer: True

Explanation: Paul Ryan characterized the American Enterprise Institute as 'one of the beachheads of the modern conservative movement,' underscoring its significant influence.

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In the 1980s, approximately 60% of AEI's funding came from government grants.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the 1980s, approximately 60% of AEI's funding came from various foundations, with the remainder from corporations, not government grants.

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Purdue Pharma donated over $800,000 to AEI between 2003 and 2019, including annual donations and contributions for special events.

Answer: True

Explanation: Purdue Pharma contributed over $800,000 to AEI between 2003 and 2019, through annual donations and additional contributions for specific events.

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The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) was one of AEI's four largest funders in the 2009 tax year.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) was indeed among AEI's four largest funders during the 2009 tax year.

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For the fiscal year ending June 2015, AEI reported revenues of over $84 million and expenses of over $38 million.

Answer: True

Explanation: AEI's financial report for the fiscal year ending June 2015 indicated revenues exceeding $84 million and expenses surpassing $38 million.

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What is the full name of the organization commonly known as AEI?

Answer: The American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research

Explanation: The complete institutional designation for the organization commonly referred to as AEI is the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research.

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Where is the American Enterprise Institute primarily headquartered?

Answer: Washington, D.C.

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute maintains its primary headquarters in Washington, D.C.

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Which of the following core principles does the American Enterprise Institute advocate?

Answer: Private enterprise, limited government, and democratic capitalism

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute champions the core principles of private enterprise, limited government, and democratic capitalism, aligning with conservative economic and political thought.

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How is the American Enterprise Institute primarily funded?

Answer: By contributions from foundations, corporations, and individuals

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute is primarily sustained by financial contributions from foundations, corporations, and individual donors.

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Who is the current president of the American Enterprise Institute?

Answer: Robert Doar

Explanation: Robert Doar currently holds the position of president at the American Enterprise Institute.

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As of 2025, who chairs AEI's board of directors?

Answer: Daniel A. D'Aniello

Explanation: As of 2025, Daniel A. D'Aniello serves as the chair of AEI's board of directors.

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The American Enterprise Institute is an associate member of which network of conservative and libertarian think tanks?

Answer: The State Policy Network

Explanation: The American Enterprise Institute is an associate member of the State Policy Network, a consortium of conservative and libertarian think tanks.

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How has Paul Ryan described the American Enterprise Institute?

Answer: As 'one of the beachheads of the modern conservative movement.'

Explanation: Paul Ryan characterized the American Enterprise Institute as 'one of the beachheads of the modern conservative movement,' highlighting its significant influence within conservative circles.

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According to the 2011 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report, what was AEI's ranking among 'Top Fifty United States Think Tanks'?

Answer: Number 10

Explanation: The 2011 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report ranked AEI as number 10 among the 'Top Fifty United States Think Tanks'.

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What was the approximate total donation from Purdue Pharma to AEI between 2003 and 2019?

Answer: Over $800,000

Explanation: Purdue Pharma's total donations to AEI between 2003 and 2019 amounted to over $800,000.

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Which of the following was one of AEI's four largest funders in the 2009 tax year?

Answer: The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO)

Explanation: The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) was identified as one of AEI's four largest funders in the 2009 tax year.

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