Question

the broadest and most prevalent error requires the most disinterested virtue to sustain it. the slight reproach to which the virtue of patriotism is commonly liable, the noble and most likely to incur. those who, while they disapprove of the character and measures of a government, yield to a base allegiance and support are undoubtedly its most conscientious supporters, and so frequently the most serious obstacles to reform. since we petitioning the state to dissolve the union, to disregard the requisition of the president. why do they not dissolve it themselves — the union between themselves and the state — and refuse to pay their quota into its treasury? do not they stand in the same relation to the state that the state does to the union? and have not the same reasons prevented the state from resisting the union which have prevented them from resisting the state?
how can a man be satisfied to entertain an opinion merely, and enjoy it? is there any enjoyment in it, if his opinion is that he is aggrieved? if you are cheated out of a single dollar by your neighbor, you do not rest satisfied with knowing that you are cheated, or with saying that you are cheated, or even with petitioning him to pay you your due; but you take effectual steps at once to obtain the full amount, and see that you are never cheated again. action from principle, the perception and the performance of right, changes things and relations; it is essentially revolutionary, and does not consist wholly with anything which was. it not only divides states and churches, it divides families; ay, it divorces the individual, separating the diabolical in him from the divine.
guiding questions
which of the following statements would thoreau agree with?
a if someone deceives you, you have a right to take the law into your own hands.
b the treasury makes the law, but we are not compelled to follow it.
c how we perceive things decides whether we are revolutionary.
d it is not enough to take a view against the government, you must take action.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze Thoreau's views (from the passage) and each option:

• Option A: Thoreau's civil disobedience isn't about taking law into own hands arbitrarily. Eliminate A.
• Option B: The passage doesn't relate to treasury making laws or non - compliance. Eliminate B.
• Option C: The passage focuses on action from principle, not perception determining revolution. Eliminate C.
• Option D: The passage emphasizes that just disapproving of government (having a view against it) isn't enough; one must take action (like not supporting unjust systems, taking steps against cheating as analogy). This matches Thoreau's idea of acting on principles against unjust government.

Answer:

D. It is not enough to take a view against the government, you must take action.