Political Theory: Thoreau and Civil Disobedience

The video discusses Henry David Thoreau's opposition to President James K. Polk's policies, particularly the Mexican-American War and slavery. Thoreau's essay 'Civil Disobedience' argues for individual conscience over blind obedience to government. He protested by refusing to pay taxes, leading to his imprisonment. Thoreau criticized political passivity and urged citizens to actively resist unjust policies.

Who was the president of the United States in March 1845?

• Thomas Jefferson

• Andrew Jackson

• Abraham Lincoln

• James K. Polk

What was one of the main reasons Polk declared war on Mexico?

• Trade disagreements

• Religious differences

• Disputes over the Texan border

• Control of California

Which literary figure from Massachusetts opposed Polk's policies?

• Herman Melville

• Nathaniel Hawthorne

• Henry David Thoreau

• Ralph Waldo Emerson

What is the title of Thoreau's essay that expresses his opposition to Polk?

• Self-Reliance

• Walden

• Civil Disobedience

• Leaves of Grass

According to Thoreau, what should true patriots follow?

• Their own consciences

• The majority's will

• The president's orders

• The laws of the land

What action did Thoreau take to underline his opposition to the government?

• Moved to another country

• Wrote a letter to the president

• Refused to pay taxes

• Organized a protest

What did Thoreau believe was the true place for a just man under an unjust government?

• In the government

• In hiding

• In prison

• In exile

What did Thoreau sarcastically criticize people for doing in opposition to slavery and war?

• Sitting with their hands in their pockets

• Writing letters to the editor

• Protesting in the streets

• Voting in elections

What did Thoreau argue a citizen must never do?

• Pay taxes

• Resign his conscience to the legislation

• Speak out against the government

• Support the president

Who did Thoreau believe most legislators, politicians, and office-holders were likely to serve?

• The devil

• The president

• Themselves

• The people