Politics in Minutes (2016)

Peaceful protest and civil disobedience

While large organizations and powerful individuals can influence governments and make their views known in the media, other interest groups - especially those with less financial resources - may highlight their concerns through some form of direct action. Frequently, this takes the form of public gatherings, a protest march, such as Gandhi’s famous 1930 Salt March in India, a sit-in, or presenting a petition. These demonstrations are generally peaceful and legal, although there may be public order restrictions on the number of people involved and the amount of disruption they cause.

Other forms of direct action specifically break a law considered unjust. This civil disobedience ranges from non-cooperation, such as withdrawal of labour, through conscientious objection by non-payment of taxes, refusal to serve on juries or in the armed forces, to symbolic acts of minor vandalism, which may include computer hacking. Whistle-blowing exposes corruption and abuse of power with evidence from an inside source.

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