<p>This was a previous SAT essay, grade it and ill tell you later what I got</p>
<p>Question: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority? </p>
<p>In order for progress to be achieved in this world, it is imperative that the ideas and decisions of authority be questioned with utmost decisiveness. Resorting to conformity of ideals will do little to establish a sense of independent thought—this independence is necessary for change. All throughout the world, changes have been made to previously inadequate situations by questioning authority. Without this desire of individuals to think freely, change would never occur. Examining both the foundation of American democracy as well as the endeavors of Huckleberry Finn leads to a realization that these epitomize the characteristics of nonconformity which have greatly benefited all who were involved. </p>
<p>The very basis for democracy in America had its roots within a desire to become autonomous from prior control and to defy the decisions of people in authority. Realizing an imminent need to be free, the Framers as well as citizen supported groups like the Sons of Liberty created a framework for their nation which was vastly different from that of Britain. The mother country was like a chain with a stranglehold on their true desires, and this chokehold could only be lifted if their authority was challenged. By revolting in such ways as the Boston Tea Party, the citizens were able to show their need for freedom—an idea made true within the minds of all—by questioning and defying authority. Had these revolutionaries not challenged the forces preventing them from the achievement of the American ideal, the nation which is the cornerstone of democracy today would have never been created.</p>
<p>In a similar, yet more personal regard, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn perfectly shows how defying authority and common lines of thought can lead to an even greater sense of individuality and control. Huckleberry, a confused young boy from the American South, was at one time bound to the desires of others and thought he would be able to live amongst the racist laden south. However, once he had developed a sense of personal choice and a desire to be an individual, he was able to travel down the river with the often shunned Jim and realize his own opinions on slavery and the negative impact it had upon his nation. Rather than living as a peon and conforming to the flawed, racist ideals of the South, Huckleberry defied the common notions of racism and realized for himself what true freedom and happiness was.</p>
<p>For practically every situation in which authority is questioned, progress and a sense of individuality has been achieved. The history of American democracy and the endeavors of iconic figures within literature support this fact considerably, and show that when individual, progressive motives take precedence over flawed, streamlined concerns of the majority, progress will undoubtedly be achieved.</p>