The kind of government that Thoreau feels would be most just is a government which governs the least (Thoreau 137). If a government is consistently getting in the way and ruining what the people have or are hoping to accomplish, he is only going to lose his respect and proper title with the people. No body wants someone always nagging them to do this or do that, or telling them they are wrong or at fault. The people want to be able to have control over their own actions and responsibilities without the constant nagging and this is exactly what Thoreau is trying to get across. Thoreau believes the power should be placed in the hands of the people.
The American government is a tradition; government was created when laws were created. There has always been one single man in power. Thoreau feels we the people should hold the power. When government stays out of the way people are able to accomplish more, more important things that the government does not do, such as; keeping the country free, settling the West, and educating (Thoreau 138). Thoreau explains in wonderfully why the people have a better chance at power, then the government, “After all, the practical reason why, when the power is once in the hands of the people, a majority are permitted, and for a long period continue, to rule is not because they are most likely to be in the right, nor because this seems fairest to the minority but because they are physically strongest (Thoreau 138).” I believe that statement wraps it up beautifully; the people are to hold the power because the people are the strongest.
Thoreau, David Henry. “Civil Disobedience.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 7th ed. New York: Bedford/St. Martins, 2006. pp137-138.
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3 comments:
No body wants someone always nagging them to do this or do that, or telling them they are wrong or at fault (Nicole blog’s). That is true but it is a different story when it comes to the government. People have to stand up for their rights and tell the government what to do especially if the government is going against the people wishes or what they believe on.
I agree with you when you say the people should hold the power because they are the strongest. I dont think the government always knows whats best for the people. good job!
I somewhat agree with you, when it comes to the governments powers. It may seem that the government dont know what there doing and may seem to the people as a disadvantge but in the long run sometimes it does pay off. But again it could go both ways, it may just lead to something horrible.
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