Question

What claim does Thoreau make about his obligation as a citizen? How does this claim relate to the premise, “That government is best which governs least”?

Answer 1

Thoreau believes that, as a citizen, it is his obligation to disobey a law that he believes is unfair and goes against his morals. He tells us that all people need to listen to their morals and their conscience before anything else, and that they need to act accordingly always, regardless of what the law states. Therefore, he thinks that the government should not interfere in these matters, nor should they try to force people to act against their principles. The government should instead "govern least" and not interfere in ethical matters.

Answer 2

Thoreau believed that sometimes the government is dysfunctional. He believes that the government would often abuse their power. He also does not believe in the idea "majority rules." He thinks that the minority are the real leaders. He thinks that the minority is going against the majority because the minority can see the loopholes of the government which others can not see.