22 Questions
According to Paine, what is the origin of monarchy?
It originates from sin and is condemned by the Bible and God.
What does Paine propose as the form of government for the independent colonies?
A representative democracy giving equal weight to each colony.
Why does Paine argue that it is urgent for the colonies to declare independence?
To ensure security and prosperity in trade.
What does Paine suggest the colonies can use to pay down some of the debt they will incur?
The vast expanses of uncharted land to the West.
Why does Paine argue that America lacks respectability on the international scene as a colony of Britain?
It is seen simply as rebels and cannot form substantial alliances with other nations.
According to Paine, why does America need to be independent in order to prosper in the long term?
To ask for the help of other countries in its struggle for freedom.
What is Paine's response to the argument that America has flourished under British rule?
America has evolved and no longer needs Britain's help.
Why does Paine propose that the colonies should revolt now?
To use the vast expanses of uncharted land to the West to pay down some of the debt they will incur.
According to Paine, what is the sole purpose of government?
To protect people from their own vices
What does Paine consider to be everything constructive and good that people join together to accomplish?
Society
In Paine's view, what should a government be judged solely on the basis of?
The extent to which it protects life, liberty, and property
What does Paine argue is better for the people in terms of lawmaking?
Being responsible for the creation of the laws that rule them
What does Paine suggest is the origin of government?
The evil of man
What does Paine believe is the imagined scenario in which lawmaking becomes inevitable?
A small group of people placed on an island and cut off from the rest of society
What does Paine argue is the best system of representation for the people?
A system where people are responsible for the creation of the laws that rule them
According to Thomas Paine, what is the sole purpose of government?
To protect people from their own vices
What does Paine consider to be the origins of government?
The evil of man
According to Paine, how should a government be judged?
On the basis of the extent to which it protects life, liberty, and property
What scenario does Paine consider to illustrate the inevitability of lawmaking?
A small group of people placed on an island
What does Paine imply about people being responsible for creating the laws that rule them?
They will be much happier
What is Paine's view on the British system of government?
He launches a general attack on it
According to Paine, what is society's role in contrast to government?
Society is everything constructive and good that people join together to accomplish
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.
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.
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