What does "civil disobedience" mean?

Civil disobedience refers to the deliberate and peaceful refusal to comply with certain laws, regulations, or commands of a government that are deemed unjust. This approach is rooted in the belief that individuals have a moral responsibility to oppose and challenge unfair laws in a non-violent manner. Historically, civil disobedience has been utilized as a powerful form of protest against oppressive regimes or social injustices, aiming to raise awareness and promote change without resorting to violence. Prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for this method, emphasizing the importance of remaining peaceful while standing up for ethical principles and human rights.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of civil disobedience. Strategies for violent revolt and military resistance suggest aggression rather than peaceful protest, while the enforcement of unjust laws through legal means misrepresents the concept, as civil disobedience involves actively opposing unjust laws rather than enforcing them.