what does "question authority" mean in the following passage? (I put question authority in brackets)
Well, I guess I am a lifelong troublemaker and when my parents taught my twin brother and I to "question authority", I don't think they knew where it might lead. (Laughter) And, they probably really regretted it during my stroppy teenage years when, predictably, I questioned their authority a lot. And a lot of my school teachers didn't appreciate it much either. You see, since the age of about five I've always asked the question, but why?

Question

Answer

The definition of "authority" is "the power to give orders or make decisions : the power or right to direct or control someone or something"

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/authority?show=0&t=1403604342

"to question authority" is to call into question the power or right of that authority to direct or control people or events.  Questioning authority asks "Why do I HAVE to do what YOU tell me I should do?  Why can't I do as I please instead of as you instruct me to?"

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