It was this experience that Thoreau wrote about in an essay called "Civil Disobedience." In this essay, he argued that being moral and just came before allegiance to government. He wrote “If the machine of government is of such a nature that it requires you to be the agent of injustice to another, then, I say, break the law." He also felt that voting was not enough to ensure that the right thing be done. He wrote that "even voting for the right is doing nothing for it… A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance…" He felt that one had a moral responsibility to resist unjust laws.
Which line from Part 1 best explains Thoreau's view on government?
Thoreau began speaking against slavery in public
The poll tax was a legal tax owed by every person
Being moral and just came before allegiance to government
A wise man will not leave the right to the mercy of chance
