Thoreau's observations about the "progress" from "absolute monarchy... to a democracy," what kind of "government" does he seem to prefer and why? Specifically, what landed Thoreau in jail? Did he oppose paying all kinds of taxes altogether and why? How was Thoreau promoting "a peaceable revolution," as opposed to the U.S. "Revolution" against England? What kind of government and laws did he "seek... an excuse for conforming to