What is the term for the refusal to obey civil law to change governmental policy using nonviolent means?

The term for the refusal to obey civil law in order to instigate change in governmental policy through nonviolent means is Civil Disobedience. This concept emphasizes the idea that individuals can challenge laws they deem unjust without resorting to violence. It promotes moral reasoning as a guiding principle, whereby a person can demonstrate their disagreement with specific laws or policies by intentionally disobeying them.

Civil Disobedience has historical significance and is often associated with well-known figures like Henry David Thoreau, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mahatma Gandhi. These individuals used the strategy to draw attention to social injustices and inspire change within their societies, using nonviolent approaches to galvanize support and influence public opinion.

In contrast, other terms, while related to protest and resistance, do not specifically encapsulate the concept of nonviolent lawbreaking intended to challenge unjust laws. Active Resistance may imply a more confrontational approach, while Peaceful Protest generally denotes organized demonstrations without explicitly involving the defiance of laws. Political Rebellion usually suggests an uprising against the government, which may not adhere strictly to the principles of nonviolence.