<p>I tried to fit in 3 examples, but I ran out of space... :(
Do I need 3 examples?
The prompt is from the blue book practice test #1: Is it important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority?</p>
<p>The proposition that authority should sometimes be questioned is unequivocally true. Some people contend that for a well-organized society to exist, people should exhibit unconditional obedience to the people in charge; these people are too parochial in their perspective and often myopic. Questioning the authority when necessary is vital because it can correct the errors of the society and put an end to morally corrupt actions of the people in authority. Two prominent examples that elucidate the validity of this assertion and exemplify the importance of standing up to authority are Arthur Millers play The Crucible and a multi-talented Polish astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus.</p>
<p>In Arthur Millers play The Crucible, brave actions of John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse illustrate the necessity of resisting authority when the authority is wrong. The Salem community finds itself falling apart as the witchcraft hysteria spreads throughout the region. Eventually, some people begin to doubt the legitimacy of the witchcraft accusations; however, the judges, who sentenced countless innocent people to death, are unwilling to concede that the court made erroneous decisions. Instead, they try to cover up their mistakes by forcing people to admit to witchcraft and thereby perpetuating the witchcraft hysteria. John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse are not afraid to sacrifice their lives for what is right, and they fight against the authority until the very end. As a result of their deaths, the witchcraft hysteria dies down as the townspeople come to completely distrust the accusations, and Salem is prevented from coming apart. Thus, as is evident in The Crucible, standing up to authority saves a horrible sin from continuing and stops the killings of innocent people.</p>
<p>Another paragon that shows that questioning authority is crucial to bring about a better society is a scientist named Nicolaus Copernicus (1473-1543). Nicolaus Copernicus proposed the heliocentric theory; he claimed that the sun was stationary in the center of the universe and the earth revolved around it. At the time, his heliocentric idea was very controversial; authorities and religious leaders ridiculed and dismissed his unprecedented ideas. He was even ordered against continuing his research. Nevertheless, Copernicus persisted in refining his theory. Now, he is viewed as the initiator of the Scientific Revolution and the first person to have formulated a comprehensive heliocentric theory. Hence, it can once again be seen that going against the social norm that the authorities established prevailed. Without the bravery to resist the authoritys opinions, Copernicus would not have been able to correct the flawed geocentric theory.</p>
<p>The two distinct examplesThe Crucible and Nicolaus Copernicusverify the claim that it is indeed important to question the ideas and decisions of people in positions of authority. Because John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Nicolaus Copernicus had the courage to resist the authorities threats or temptations, they were able to ameliorate the conditions of their respective societies. Without doubt, if all individuals are willing to act like them, the current world will be able to bequeath to future generates a much better world.</p>