Civil Disobedience and Abusive Government Power In response to the United States' annexation of Texas in 1845, Henry David Thoreau wrote the essay Civil Disobedience. Thoreau believed that this purely economic move by the United States precipitated the Civil War, which he and many Americans disapproved of. In his essay, Thoreau argues that the government should not be in control of the people and that the people should be able to freely govern themselves as they choose. Furthermore, it clearly states and emphasizes that in many cases it is better when individual rights take priority over state authority. Very often, the best authors, whether it is a novel or an essay, clearly express their opinions and facts using various literary techniques and devices. From reading other works by Thoreau, such as excerpts from Walden and Excursions, I have been able to deduce that he has his own unique and unparalleled writing style. Most common, mundane writers begin their essays with long, boring descriptions of the point they are trying to convey. But like all great writers and thinkers, Thoreau begins his essay with a strong and captivating phrase: "The best government is that which governs least" (222). Thoreau's opening line grabs hold and lets the reader know what topics will be discussed in the essay. Apparently, this opening sentence forms the basis for the rest of his essay as it encourages individuals to take responsibility for keeping the government under constant scrutiny. He believes that the best way for a country and its people to survive is for individuals to be willing to exercise control over the government and not be ruled like sheep. Part of Thoreau's writing style includes using examples to justify his op......middle of paper......are struggling. When speaking of the evils of slavery, Thoreau states that "When at last the majority vote for the abolition of slavery, it will be because they are indifferent to slavery, or because there remains but little slavery to be abolished by their vote." . They will then be the only slaves. Only his vote can accelerate the abolition of slavery for those who affirm their freedom" (226). As a committed abolitionist, he believes that only individuals hold the power to end slavery. He thinks the government cannot be relied upon to stop slavery because it thinks as a whole and not as individuals. Concluding his essay, Thoreau's main point is that individual power should be greater than that of the government. Thoreau's observation, "The best government is that which governs least" continues to be as true today as the day it was written.