Answer:
C. the ability of people to govern themselves
Explanation:
In his essay on civil disobedience "Resistance to Civil Government" (1849), Henry David Thoreau criticizes American social institutions, the corruption of the government and its practice of aggressive war (like the Mexican-American War) and pro-slavery policies.
He also argues in favor of disobedience when the state is unjust and overrules people's consciences, and claims that "government is best which governs not at all" but men only will have this type of government when they are prepared. Therefore, we can conclude that one central idea of this essay is the ability of people to govern themselves, which Thoreau promoted.
