Question

In his essay "Civil Disobedience," Henry David Thoreau wrote "That government is best which governs least." Which answer best shows how this motto reflects transcendentalist principles?

An ideal government does not exist, so anarchy is best for a nation.
Citizens require the government to define the difference between right and wrong.
Government can act as an impediment to the will and morality of individual men.
An ideal nation is one that is not governed by a monarchy or dictatorship.
Government on a large scale is inefficient and should be managed at the state level.

Answer 1

Answer: Government can act as an impediment to the will and morality of individual men.

In his essay "Civil Disobedience," Thoreau defends the importance of following one's own will and morality, even when this is opposed to the law. He believes that, sometimes, the government can pass laws that differ from what people know in their heart to be true. When this happens, the people are obligated to act morally, regardless of what the law says. Therefore, it is better if the government governs very little, because this problem will arise less often.

Answer 2

Government can act as an impediment to the will and morality of individual men.