An examination of Thoreau's Civil Disobedience

Thoreau's ideal government

An ideal government for Thoreau, aside from none at all, would be one that truly acts as an extension of the people's will. The people cannot act out there will indirectly as the current system tries to. he would support the will of the individual. The majority would rule but the minority would still get a voice as well. He describes an instance where a clergyman threatens him with time in jail for not paying the church. His reaction is to not pay it and he suffers no consequences. Most likely he would support a government where people could easily voice their displeasure either by a simple refusal or a notification of some sort.

If Thoreau saw our government today he might like it a little more than his at his time but I still suspect he would be very displeased. He would likely want more freedom from government than we have now and more influence on how corrupt our politics have become.

Mexican War

Thoreau was concerned about the unjust use of power by his government and that it did not at all represent the people's will. The U.S. government was determined to claim land through warfare with mexico. This was what is now known as manifest destiny and through this war we acquired Nevada, California, new mexico, Utah, and Arizona. I do not think President Polk's intentions were at all ethical. It should be the right of the people judge if they are willing to wage war on another country.