Review Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau

What is the main idea of Henry David Thoreau's essay "Civil Disobedience"?

• The importance of obeying unjust laws

• The duty of citizens to resist unjust government actions

• The need for increased government control over individuals

• The necessity of voting in all elections

Tags

CCSS.RI. 9-10.9

CCSS.RI.11-12.9

CCSS.RL.11-12.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

According to Thoreau, what should individuals do if they believe a law is unjust?

• Protest violently

• Complain to the authorities

• Pay the fine and obey the law

• Refuse to obey the law and accept the consequences

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

According to the author, what is a flaw in majority rule?

• The majority always makes the best decisions.

• The minority does not have to obey majority rule.

• The majority is often physically stronger rather than morally right.

• The majority is usually corrupt.

Thoreau discusses his refusal to pay which tax?

• Sales Tax

• Income Tax

• Property Tax

• Poll Tax

What historical event does the author reference to support his argument for resistance?

• The War of 1812

• The Mexican-American War

• The Civil War

• The American Revolution of 1775

Thoreau argues that individuals should prioritize __________ over obedience to government.

• morality

• social status

• wealth

• power

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CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

According to the author, how do most people serve the state?

• through their physical bodies, like soldiers and law enforcers.

• Through their intellect, as politicians and lawyers.

• Through their conscience, resisting unjust laws.

• All of the above, in equal measure.

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.6

CCSS.RL.8.3

Transcendentalism is "A core belief in the inherent goodness of people and nature, and while society and its institutions have corrupted the purity of the individual, people are at their best when truly '_______________' and __________________"

• docile and taciturn

• strong and fierce

• hateful and violent

• self reliant and independent

What historical issue does the author use to argue that the U.S. government is unjust?

• The continuation of slavery.

• High taxation on foreign goods.

• The construction of railroads.

• The expansion of the West.