Thoreau's Civil Disobedience

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Thoreau’s Civil Disobedience

1. What conclusion can be drawn regarding the quote, “Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient”?

A. Government is the necessary evil that is merely convenient on the short run; however, a majority of governments are not beneficial toward the people and it fails to pertain to the service of the community.

B. No individual should sacrifice their moral principles in return for unjust circumstances implemented amongst federal government.

C. In a democracy, the most virtuous and thoughtful group are regarded their desires rather than the majority group.

D. Thoreau illustrates the importance of asserting ethical principles, rather than government policy.

2. Which of the following would be the best example of a paradox?

A. “He who gives himself entirely to his fellow-men appears to them useless and selfish; but he who gives himself partially to them is pronounced a benefactor and philanthropist.”

B. "A drab of state, a cloth-o'-silver slut,
To have her train borne up, and her soul trail in the dirt."

C. “..to speak practically and as a citizen, unlike those who call themselves no-government men”

D. "I am too high-born to be propertied,
To be a secondary at control,”

3. What conclusion can be drawn on Thoreau’s perspective of soldiers?

A. They are symbolic heroic figures that participate in ethical principles.

B. They comply to government laws in order preserve the services we enjoy today.

C. A product of the government that doesn’t exercise moral sense.

D. The good citizens of our nation that are predominantly responsible for the freedom we are granted.

4. Which of the following would be a best example of ...

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... with their bodies.”

D. “In their practice, nations agree with Paley; but does anyone think that Massachusetts does exactly what is right at the present crisis?”

14. What statements support Thoreau’s interpretation of “Civil Disobedience”?

A. He interprets “Civil Disobedience” as a willful resistance to disobey hypocritical laws implemented by the government.

B. The Emancipation Proclamation of slaves in 1862

C. Making amends with former adversaries/rivalries

D. Establishing the most desirable government with extreme regulations and laws intact.

15. What motive is there in Thoreau’s theories?

A. To establish an idea of how individuals should generally behave within our society.

B. To persuade the readers to rebel against the United States

C. To inform readers about the injustices of the Mexican War.

D. To inform readers about the injustices of slavery

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