Question

stimulus - use the information provided and your knowledge of social studies to help answer the following questions.
it is not so desirable to cultivate a respect for the law,
so much as for the right. how does it become a man to
behave how should a man behave toward the
american government today? i answer that he cannot
without disgrace be associated with it. i cannot for an
instant recognize that political organization as my
government which is the slaves government also.

• henry david thoreau,

on the duty of civil disobedience

1. who wrote this excerpt?
2. what is the meaning of the underlined portion?
3. how does the author feel about the government? why?
4. in your opinion, what is more important: obeying the laws or standing up for what is right? why?

Explanation:

1. The author is explicitly cited at the end of the excerpt.
2. The underlined portion rephrases the preceding question to clarify its intent, asking for the appropriate way a person should act toward the current U.S. government.
3. The author's negative view is clear from his statement that associating with the government is disgraceful, as he views it as a "slave's government" that conflicts with moral right.
4. This is a subjective opinion question; the reasoning ties to prioritizing moral integrity over blind adherence to potentially unjust laws.

Answer:

1. Henry David Thoreau
2. It is a rephrased question asking: "How should a person act toward the current United States government?"
3. The author feels contempt and disgust toward the government. He believes associating with it is disgraceful, because he views it as a "slave's government" that does not uphold moral right.
4. (Subjective example answer) Standing up for what is right is more important. If a law is unjust, blind obedience allows harm and injustice to continue, while acting on moral right pushes for positive, ethical change.