Civil Disobedience Quiz

What was the reason for Thoreau's night in jail?

• He protested against slavery

• He refused to pay a poll tax

• He advocated for self-reliance

• He criticized the government's war against Mexico

According to Thoreau, what is the best kind of government?

• A government that supports slavery

• A government that governs not at all

• A government that expands its borders

• A government that governs rapidly and systematically

What does Thoreau believe is the role of conscience in government?

• Conscience should always be subordinate to the legislator

• Conscience should be disregarded in favor of majority rule

• Conscience should guide decision-making, even if it goes against the majority

• Conscience has no place in government

What does Thoreau mean by a 'peaceable revolution'?

• A revolution that is supported by the majority

• A revolution that requires bloodshed

• A revolution that brings about peace and justice

• A revolution achieved through violent means

Why does Thoreau refuse to pay his poll tax?

• He wants to be locked up in prison

• He believes the government is half-witted

• He disagrees with the government's use of his tax money

• He wants to abolish slavery in America

According to Thoreau, what is the true place for a just man under an unjust government?

• In the tax office

• In the prison

• In the legislature

• In the military

What does Thoreau compare the State to?

• A child

• A machine

• A woman

• A dog

What does Thoreau believe is the strongest force?

• A higher law

• Superior honesty

• Superior wit

• Physical strength

What does Thoreau mean by the acorn and the chestnut analogy?

• The acorn represents war and the chestnut represents peace

• The acorn represents justice and the chestnut represents injustice

• The acorn represents the individual and the chestnut represents the majority

• The acorn represents the government and the chestnut represents the people

What is Thoreau's view on the working of the machinery of society?

• He is not responsible for its successful working

• He is the son of the engineer

• He is responsible for its successful working

• He believes it is half-witted