Question

Read the passage from "On the Duty of Civil Disobedience” by Henry David Thoreau.

I heartily accept the motto,—"That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—"That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have. Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient. The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government. The standing army is only an arm of the standing government. The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it.

Which sentence best summarizes the passage?

Thoreau believes that a standing army is only part of a government.
Thoreau believes that government is problematic and inefficiently run.
Thoreau believes that mottos about government do not adequately describe it.
Thoreau believes that people should prepare for a day when there is no government.

Answer 1

Thoreau believes that government is problematic and inefficiently run.

Reason: He calls government "an expedient" that is often "inexpedient," liable to abuse (e.g., a standing army/standing government), and argues the ideal is minimal or no government when people are ready.