evidence: Beginning his essay boldly, Thoreau asserts "that government is best which governs least" or "governs not at all" (Thoreau, "Civil Disobedience," p. 455). He argues that government should function as the will of the people dictates rather than in the interest of a powerful few. Citing the Mexican War as an example of "a few individuals using the standing government as their tool," Thoreau insists that the majority of Americans object to the war ("Civil Disobedience," p. 455). Challenging the notion of what a democracy is, he contends that a democratic government should "let [the people] alone" and allow as much liberty as possible—especially in the area of trade. He calls not for an end to all government, but for a better government, and insists that changes toward that end be implemented immediately.