What is civil disobedience?

Civil disobedience refers to the intentional act of disobeying certain laws or regulations as a form of protest against policies or practices that are deemed immoral or unjust. This form of resistance is often characterized by nonviolent actions taken by individuals or groups to challenge and draw attention to laws that they believe violate ethical standards or human rights.

The essence of civil disobedience lies in its moral stance; it is not merely opposition to laws but a principled stand against legislation that goes against one's conscience. Historical examples, such as the civil rights movement in the United States, epitomize this practice, where activists openly accepted the consequences of their actions to highlight social injustices.

The other choices do not fully encapsulate the nature of civil disobedience. A lawful method of protest suggests adherence to laws, which contradicts the essence of civil disobedience. A political activity involving violence misrepresents civil disobedience, as it is fundamentally a nonviolent approach. A resignation from political responsibilities implies withdrawal from civic engagement rather than an active challenge against perceived injustices. Thus, option C accurately captures the core definition and intent behind civil disobedience.