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

Quiz
•
English
•
9th - 12th Grade
•
Hard
Liberty Cunningham
Used 3+ times
FREE Resource
9 questions
Show all answers
1.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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
2.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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
3.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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.
4.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Thoreau discusses his refusal to pay which tax?
Sales Tax
Income Tax
Property Tax
Poll Tax
5.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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
6.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
Thoreau argues that individuals should prioritize __________ over obedience to government.
morality
social status
wealth
power
7.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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.
8.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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
9.
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1 min • 1 pt
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.
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