What Is Thoreau's Ideal Of Government

Throughout the story, Thoreau attempts to inform the common people as to what a better government is. With the development of central ideas, Thoreau reinforces and emphasizes his ideal of a better government. A government must be desired by the people and must not be corrupt. Although multiple antagonizing and supporting points have been made in “Civil Disobedience”, Thoreau believes “That government is best which governs least”(Part 1, Paragraph 1) Thoreau’s begins the story with “ That government is best which governs least”(Part 1, Paragraph 1) immediately stating his belief. With that statement, he believes that a government shouldn’t interfere with the people’s lives and has acted as an hindrance in America’s development. The government is corrupt due to the people’s greed and desires, and is described as a false sense of security which is speculated as a guardian but in reality is deemed useless. The relationship between the government and the people is no different from that of a dictator and his people. The common people can’t change the government because it becomes too corrupt too fast for any action to be made and that of which is effective.The government views the common people “not as men mainly, but as machines, with their bodies.” (Part 1, Paragraph 5) and only expects them to obey every …show more content…
With that statement he believes that even if a government is corrupt, it’s better than having no government. “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it”(Part 1, Paragraph 3) states that the people must also acknowledge what a good government is and what is good for the people. The government must also respect the people in order to become a better