Thomas Paine's Common Sense Study Guide Answer Key
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, published in 1776, is a foundational document in American history that argued for independence from Great Britain. This study guide answer key provides a comprehensive overview of the pamphlet’s key points, helping readers understand Paine’s influential work.
Section 1: Introduction
- Who was Thomas Paine, and what was his purpose in writing Common Sense? Thomas Paine was an English-American writer, philosopher, and advocate for American independence. He wrote Common Sense to persuade the American colonies to declare independence from Great Britain and establish a new nation based on democratic principles.
Section 2: Of the Origin and Design of Government
- What does Paine argue is the origin of government? Paine argues that government originates from the need for protection and security, which arises from the flaws and weaknesses of human nature. He claims that government is a necessary evil, as it helps maintain order and stability in society.
- What does Paine believe is the primary function of government? Paine believes that the primary function of government is to protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens, rather than to serve the interests of a monarch or ruling elite.
Section 3: Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession
- What is Paine’s critique of monarchy and hereditary succession? Paine argues that monarchy is an outdated and illegitimate system of government, as it is based on the arbitrary and often unjust rule of a single individual. He also critiques hereditary succession, claiming that it is absurd to inherit a position of power and authority simply by birth.
- What does Paine propose as an alternative to monarchy? Paine proposes a republican form of government, where power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than a monarch or ruling elite.
Section 4: Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs
- What is Paine’s assessment of the relationship between the American colonies and Great Britain? Paine argues that the relationship between the American colonies and Great Britain is one of exploitation and oppression, with the British government imposing its will on the colonies without their consent.
- What does Paine believe is the most effective way for the American colonies to resist British rule? Paine believes that the most effective way for the American colonies to resist British rule is to declare independence and establish a new nation based on democratic principles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas Paine’s Common Sense is a powerful argument for American independence and the establishment of a new nation based on democratic principles. Through his critique of monarchy and hereditary succession, Paine provides a compelling case for the need for a new form of government, one that is based on the rights and freedoms of its citizens.
📝 Note: Paine's ideas in Common Sense had a significant impact on the American Revolution and the development of American democracy.
Key Terms and Concepts
- Republicanism: a system of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
- Monarchy: a system of government in which power is held by a single individual, often a king or queen.
- Hereditary succession: the practice of inheriting a position of power or authority based on birth.
- Democracy: a system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Republicanism | a system of government in which power is held by the people and their elected representatives. |
| Monarchy | a system of government in which power is held by a single individual, often a king or queen. |
| Hereditary succession | the practice of inheriting a position of power or authority based on birth. |
| Democracy | a system of government in which power is held by the people, either directly or through elected representatives. |
What was the main argument of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense?
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Thomas Paine’s main argument in Common Sense was that the American colonies should declare independence from Great Britain and establish a new nation based on democratic principles.
What is Paine’s critique of monarchy and hereditary succession?
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Paine argues that monarchy is an outdated and illegitimate system of government, as it is based on the arbitrary and often unjust rule of a single individual. He also critiques hereditary succession, claiming that it is absurd to inherit a position of power and authority simply by birth.
What does Paine propose as an alternative to monarchy?
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Paine proposes a republican form of government, where power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than a monarch or ruling elite.
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