Henry David Thoreau wrote in Civil Disobedience that the rights of an individual man sometimes took precedence over the authority of government. Thoureau adopted James Madison’s beliefs of the oppresiveness of a majority. Thoureau held his strong opions and translated them into action.
Thoureau’s beliefs of government were shared with James Madison’s. In the Federalist #10 Madison speaks of the evils of a faction made up of a majority of people. He felt that the group could be unjust by not paying attention to the concerns of the minority. Thoureau also held this belief. He felt that any government that put the power in the hands of the majority is unjust. Thoureau argues that all governments put power in majorities hands and therefore strengthens his case that all governments are unjust. This was very similar to James Madison’s views on government that had been around for years before Thoureau wrote Civil Disobedience. However, Thoureau goes on to claim that if one man holds a difference of opinion from the majority of his government he compromises a minority of one. Therefore, this one man is discriminated against by his government that government is unjust. This makes any known government unjust.
We all know that actions speak louder than words. Thoureau is able to back his strong opinons with equally strong actions. Thoureau outlined in this essay his reasons for later not paying his taxes. He wrote in this essay that it is the duty of individuals not pay their government in support something they don’t feel is right. Thoureau followed though with these beliefs. He didn’t pay taxes to support the Mexican War. This caused Thoureau to be put into prison. He followed through on his beliefs better than other important figures in American History. Thomas Jefferson held a strong conviction that the President only had the powers outlined in the Constitution. However, during his presidency he purchased land, and fought an illegal war against the Barbary Pirates. Neither of these are rights given to the president in the Constitution.
This is an excellent work to read for this class. It provides insight into the beliefs of one of the most intelligent Americans of his time. This work adds to the rights of a single man. It shows how a man can assert his power over government. I feel that this work is an excellent read for this class.

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