<p>This is the first SAT essay I've written in like 3 years, so it kinda sucks lol. </p>
<p>Topic: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority?</p>
<pre><code>People in positions of authority assume the burden of making proper decisions, and those without power have the obligation to challenge egregious decisions. Examples from history and literature clearly evince the importance of challenging the ideas and decisions of people with power.
The landmark Supreme Court case of Brown v. Board of Education demonstrates how antiquated policies are challenged for the betterment of the country. In 1954, schools and public facilities across the America were segregated by law. As a result, Linda Brown, an African American girl, was forced to walk an extra three miles to go to school even though there was a closer school reserved for white children. Brown decided to protest this discrimination and subsequently filed a law suit against Topekas Board of Education. The case was eventually appealed to the United States Supreme Court, which ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment. This court case was a dramatic step toward equality in the United States as it provided an equal opportunity for education for all citizens; this could not have been achieved had it not been for Brown questioning traditional practices and beliefs.
Similarly, the French Revolution of 1789 also challenged long-held ideas about monarchy and people in positions of authority. Louis IX was the king of France during this time, and under his reign Frances situation became perilous. Poverty was ubiquitous, hunger and starvation were just as common, but the nobles with power and wealth chose not to act. As a result of these omissions, the citizens of France rebelled and overthrew Louis IX. Maximillien Robespierre then assumed power, but he too was overthrown as a result of his corrupt and reprobate practices during the Reign of Terror. Robespierres overthrow marked the end of the revolution and a new beginning for France. France modernized and prospered under Napoleons rule and soon became one of the worlds greatest powers. Were it not for the French citizens rebelling against Louis IX and Maximillien Robespierre, France would have remained stagnant and its people impoverished and abject.
In the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest by Ken Kesey, Randle McMurphy challenges Nurse Ratcheds unscrupulous policies. The novel takes place in a mental hospital where Nurse Ratched rules over the patients. She dictates what they can and cannot do; she makes those who rebel are forced to undergo an electroshock therapy or lobotomy in order to correct them. The instant McMurphy arrives in the mental hospital, he is appalled by the draconian rules of the ward, by Nurse Ratcheds insidious behavior, and by the hopelessness of the other patients. McMurphy vows to change all of this, and he soon becomes a juggernaut for reform. He openly disobeys Nurse Ratched by watching television, gambling, smoking cigarettes, etc. in an attempt to aggravate her, to get the better of her. His actions instill confidence and hope within the otherwise forlorn patients, and soon they support McMurphy in his cause. McMurphys struggle against the inhumane practices at the hospital is essential, as without it the depravity of Nurse Ratched would continue unhindered.
After careful analysis of Brown v. Board of Education, the French Revolution, and One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest, one can see that questioning the ideas and decisions of those in authority is, indeed, paramount in ensuring beneficial, scrupulous policies are made. If people did not challenge authority, then unilateral decisions would be made, resulting in corruption. Authority therefore must always be questioned to achieve betterment for the people.
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