To take an extreme (and therefore obvious) example: Millions of people, probably the vast majority of Russian citizens, opposed Stalin's collectivisation policies, and his purges. A small but dedicated and loyal corps of enforcers using a network of informers to keep the masses from organising their resistance can keep a majority down for a very long time - and in such an environment, peaceful protests are just a way to inform on yourself as an enemy of the state.
Misbehavior is an attempt to overcome a lack of numbers.
No, it isn't. But I understand why you believe that it is. If you doubted it, your self image as a moral, noble and good person would be severely threatened. Because you continue to conflate law with morality, and obedience with goodness.