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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In 'Civil Disobedience', what does Thoreau say a just man will not wait for?
(a) A favorable choice.
(b) A majority.
(c) An opportunity.
(d) A leader.

2. What kind of government does Thoreau describe in 'Civil Disobedience'?
(a) A republic.
(b) A socialist nation.
(c) A monarchy.
(d) A democracy.

3. What does Thoreau say the best government will NOT do in 'Civil Disobedience'?
(a) Reprimand.
(b) Restrict.
(c) Tax.
(d) Govern.

4. Why was Thoreau put in jail?
(a) He was drunk in public.
(b) He said something rude to a police officer.
(c) He freed a slave.
(d) He refused to pay a tax.

5. When does Thoreau say a citizen should disobey?
(a) When the country is at war.
(b) All of these.
(c) When the government is being immoral.
(d) When the population gets too large.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the main theme of 'Civil Disobedience'?

2. What did Thoreau say the issue of slavery was doing to his state?

3. What does Thoreau say government accomplishes in 'Civil Disobedience'?

4. What does Thoreau say happens when government gets involved in trade and commerce?

5. What does Thoreau say government needs to have authority?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who did Thoreau blame for the slavery in America and why?

2. How did Thoreau feel about the Kansas-Nebraska Act?

3. What did Thoreau say gave the government their power, and what did Thoreau suggest men should do in response to this?

4. What did Thoreau say a man should do when his government was acting immorally?

5. Who did Thoreau say the government saw as their authority, and how did he feel about this?

6. What kind of issue did Thoreau say slavery was turning into, and how did he feel about this?

7. What did Thoreau say was ironic about the day he presented his speech, 'Slavery in Massachusetts'?

8. How did Thoreau say American soldiers were viewed?

9. How did Thoreau feel about the attack that took place on the Boston Courthouse?

10. How did Thoreau describe his punishment for his own act of 'Civil Disobedience'?

(see the answer keys)

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