When a bear is chasing you, if it is a black bear (scared of you) you play dead. When a bear is chasing you and it is a grizzley, you stand tall, don't run, yell, and act combative. Otherwise the bear may see you as lunch.

I think that is a great metaphor here. If the government no longer respects the people, then the right approach is to stand tall and say things loudly. If they do then compliance is better.