Question

Which sentences in this excerpt from “Civil Disobedience” by Henry David Thoreau indicate the author's belief that the government is subordinate to the people?
A. There are orators, politicians, and eloquent men, by the thousand; but the speaker has not yet opened his mouth to speak who is capable of settling the much-vexed questions of the day.

B. Our legislators have not yet learned the comparative value of free trade and of freedom, of union, and of rectitude, to a nation.

C. If we were left solely to the wordy wit of legislators in Congress for our guidance, uncorrected by the seasonable experience and the effectual complaints of the people, America would not long retain her rank among the nations.

D. Even the Chinese philosopher was wise enough to regard the individual as the basis of the empire.

E. There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.


There is more than one answer, its on plato plz help

Answer 1

C, D, and E are the correct answers.

Answer 2

The correct answers are:

C. If we were left solely to the wordy wit of legislators in Congress for our guidance, uncorrected by the seasonable experience and the effectual complaints of the people, America would not long retain her rank among the nations.

D. Even the Chinese philosopher was wise enough to regard the individual as the basis of the empire.

E. There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.

David Thoreau’s “The Civil Disobedience” emphasizes the need to prioritize the conscience of individuals over what laws dictate them to do. He defends and tries to encourage citizens to institute a better government, a government that respects individuals. To do so, Thoreau defends that the government is formed by the people and for the people, this way, when a government abuses its powers people have the right to regain power.

Thoreau refused to submit himself to regulations and taxes that were imposed by the government, he believed that they were unfair to him and all Americans.