Are we obligated to always obey the law. If yes, why Are we obligated to always obey the law? If yes, why? If no, what criteria can be used to determine when disobedience is morally justified? Is there a particular issue you feel strongly about that might cause you to engage in an act of civil disobedience? Do you believe Thoreau was just in refusing to pay his taxes in protest of the Mexican-American war? Is Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience compatible with democratic government? Is compromise on moral issues a necessary part of living with other people?

Civil Disobedience Study Questions: 1. Is Thoreau’s concept of civil disobedience compatible with democratic government? 2. Is compromise on moral issues a necessary part of living with other people? 3. Thoreau asks somewhat rhetorically, “Must the citizen ever for a moment, or in the least degree, resign his conscience to the legislator?” Why or why not? 4. Which, if any, of Thoreau’s ideas are valuable in the context of political activism? 5. According to Thoreau, why do unjust laws exist? 6. What do you think Thoreau’s message is when he writes, “After the first blush of sin comes indifference?”

8. Is Thoreau an optimist or a pessimist? How so? 7. Why does Thoreau think that the rich are least likely to practice civil disobedience? 8. Is Thoreau an optimist or a pessimist? How so? 9. According to Thoreau, why do unjust laws exist? 10. What do you think Thoreau’s message is when he writes, “After the first blush of sin comes indifference?”