According to Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience," what does government actually do to society?

According to Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience," the government robs society of its ethics and individuality. Thoreau says that the system of government that we in America have created and employed does not challenge the individual to fully participate in the making of laws or the carriage of justice.  Instead, we leave the rule of the government up to "majority rule" so those who are appointed make decisions for us. As a result, members of society...

According to Thoreau in "Civil Disobedience," the government robs society of its ethics and individuality. Thoreau says that the system of government that we in America have created and employed does not challenge the individual to fully participate in the making of laws or the carriage of justice.  Instead, we leave the rule of the government up to "majority rule" so those who are appointed make decisions for us. As a result, members of society are forced into "quiet submission" as others make decisions for the whole.  Thoreau says that few people are willing to "put their head into the fire" or to stand up in the face of unjust laws and practices. Thus, the government, which is supposed to create a framework of justice for citizens, actually bears down on citizens and robs them of their voice in the government.