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Questions and Answers
According to Paine, what is the origin of monarchy?
According to Paine, what is the origin of monarchy?
- It originates from sin and is condemned by the Bible and God. (correct)
- It is a natural progression of human society.
- It is a result of the desire for order and stability.
- It is a consequence of the ancient Jews' decision to have a king.
What does Paine propose as the form of government for the independent colonies?
What does Paine propose as the form of government for the independent colonies?
- A monarchy with a constitution to limit the king's power.
- A representative democracy giving equal weight to each colony. (correct)
- A totalitarian regime to ensure unity and stability.
- A theocracy governed by religious leaders.
Why does Paine argue that it is urgent for the colonies to declare independence?
Why does Paine argue that it is urgent for the colonies to declare independence?
- To form substantial alliances with other nations.
- To gain respectability on the international scene.
- To prevent the reemergence of past problems under British rule.
- To ensure security and prosperity in trade. (correct)
What does Paine suggest the colonies can use to pay down some of the debt they will incur?
What does Paine suggest the colonies can use to pay down some of the debt they will incur?
Why does Paine argue that America lacks respectability on the international scene as a colony of Britain?
Why does Paine argue that America lacks respectability on the international scene as a colony of Britain?
According to Paine, why does America need to be independent in order to prosper in the long term?
According to Paine, why does America need to be independent in order to prosper in the long term?
What is Paine's response to the argument that America has flourished under British rule?
What is Paine's response to the argument that America has flourished under British rule?
Why does Paine propose that the colonies should revolt now?
Why does Paine propose that the colonies should revolt now?
According to Paine, what is the sole purpose of government?
According to Paine, what is the sole purpose of government?
What does Paine consider to be everything constructive and good that people join together to accomplish?
What does Paine consider to be everything constructive and good that people join together to accomplish?
In Paine's view, what should a government be judged solely on the basis of?
In Paine's view, what should a government be judged solely on the basis of?
What does Paine argue is better for the people in terms of lawmaking?
What does Paine argue is better for the people in terms of lawmaking?
What does Paine suggest is the origin of government?
What does Paine suggest is the origin of government?
What does Paine believe is the imagined scenario in which lawmaking becomes inevitable?
What does Paine believe is the imagined scenario in which lawmaking becomes inevitable?
What does Paine argue is the best system of representation for the people?
What does Paine argue is the best system of representation for the people?
According to Thomas Paine, what is the sole purpose of government?
According to Thomas Paine, what is the sole purpose of government?
What does Paine consider to be the origins of government?
What does Paine consider to be the origins of government?
According to Paine, how should a government be judged?
According to Paine, how should a government be judged?
What scenario does Paine consider to illustrate the inevitability of lawmaking?
What scenario does Paine consider to illustrate the inevitability of lawmaking?
What does Paine imply about people being responsible for creating the laws that rule them?
What does Paine imply about people being responsible for creating the laws that rule them?
What is Paine's view on the British system of government?
What is Paine's view on the British system of government?
According to Paine, what is society's role in contrast to government?
According to Paine, what is society's role in contrast to government?
Study Notes
Paine's Views on Government and Independence
- The origin of monarchy, according to Paine, is a usurpation of power, where one individual takes control over others without their consent.
The Ideal Form of Government
- Paine proposes a republican form of government for the independent colonies, where power is held by the people or their elected representatives.
- According to Paine, the sole purpose of government is to protect life, liberty, and property.
Independence and Prosperity
- Paine argues that it is urgent for the colonies to declare independence to prosper in the long term, as they will be able to govern themselves and make their own decisions.
- America lacks respectability on the international scene as a colony of Britain, and independence is necessary to gain recognition and respect.
- Paine argues that America needs to be independent to prosper, as British rule stifles their growth and development.
Lawmaking and Representation
- Paine suggests that people come together to form a government to accomplish constructive and good things, and lawmaking becomes inevitable in this scenario.
- The origin of government, according to Paine, is the need for people to come together for mutual protection and security.
- Paine argues that a representative system of government is best, where the people choose representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
- In Paine's view, a government should be judged solely on the basis of its ability to protect life, liberty, and property.
Critique of the British System
- Paine argues that the British system of government is flawed, and people should be responsible for creating the laws that rule them.
- Society's role, according to Paine, is to come together and form a government to accomplish common goals and protect individual rights.
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Description
Quiz: "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine Test your knowledge of Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet advocating for American independence. Explore Paine's arguments on government, society, and the colonial situation in this enlightening quiz.
