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Common Sense By Thomas Paine Essay

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In the pamphlet, Common Sense, Thomas Paine expresses his ideas and thoughts of American independence from Britain and encourages the colonists to think on their own and to strive to keep their rights. Paine conveys his ideas about the British political institutions, how the constitution is not structured well, and the disadvantages/problems of a monarchy. He also wrote about religion and its importance, and how it was being overshadowed by British rule.

It is not unusual for a government to have flaws, but according to Thomas Paine, Britain's government was very faulty and complex during and before the 1700s. Britain has a constitutional monarchy and its legislative power was very inapt. Parliament was supposed to be a check upon the king, but at the same time the king was able to check parliament's decisions of his own previous decisions. The constitution itself was so complex, that when a complication comes up, no one knew who was in the wrong. Monarchy is an unfit system because there is no distinction where men can be separated into either kings or subjects. The term hereditary succession means that the power to rule …show more content…

Under British control, colonists were having a difficult time exercising their religious rights. Britain's government itself conflicted with catholic beliefs. One example of this is, a king having extreme power. The bible would never support government by kings. The only figure that should hold that much power is God. Paine explains that it is wrong to treat kings with the power of God, and the way by this was a new government, seperating from Britain and creating a democracy. America should have complete religious tolerance, and the colonists should continue to keep their religious beliefs. A monarchist government goes against the word of God, and America needs to gain its independence from Britain in order to practice religion in whatever way

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Thomas Paine Common Sense Rhetorical Devices

406 Words | 2 Pages

England-born political philosopher and persuasive pamphleteer , Thomas Paine helped shape many of the ideas that marked the Age of Revolution. Considered by many to be one of the most influential pamphlets in United States history, Paine’s Common Sense (1776) was published during the American Revolution and utilized many rhetorical strategies in order to persuade his audience to share his view. Through his use of rhetorical devices, such as syntax and diction, Paine displays his argument that the American Colonists should strive for independence away from England. He believed that independence was the right and “obligation” of the American colonists to part from the oppressive rule of its mother-country.

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1307 Words | 6 Pages

Paine furthers his point by stating, “Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to tax) but ‘to bind us in all cases whatsoever,’ and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious, for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.” (Paine 161). Most, if not all, of the colonists were heavily religious people who placed God above all else. Paine points out that what the British King is doing is something that should only be in God’s power, going as far as calling it “impious”.

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1095 Words | 5 Pages

Thomas Paine’s Common Sense written in 1776 compelled the American colonists to separate from their mother county, England. Paine asserted at the time that England only cared about its own economic status and cared little for the colonies (84). With this, Paine addressed that in the event of revolution, the colonies would prosper due to home field advantage and the heart and passion the militiamen have (123-124). Most importantly, after having dealt with England’s superiority, independence and a representative government would arise in the minds of the colonists (66). According to Paine, independence would not lead to inevitable war; independence would lead to a more unified America with a stronger economy and a centralized government that

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1069 Words | 5 Pages

According to Paine, “Even though people of the colonies were paying taxes and were pushed into wars caused by British, they were unfairly not represented in the British Parliament”. (109) Since Paine’s main goal is to target the common man of the society; he directs his argument by using the Bible and emotions to back up his own discussion. Paine indicates that all people are born equally and there is no one given the power to rule over other human beings. Then he uses Bible quotes to explicitly disagree with the presence of Monarchy rule used by the Great Britain.

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1254 Words | 6 Pages

Thomas Paine: Common Sense Thomas Paine writes his pamphlet during the American Revolution which served as an inspiration for the American colonists to free themselves from Britain. Paine firmly believes that independence from Britain is needed; America should be a free port and lose all ties from Britain. He reasons that the current constitution is temporary and a new one should be formed.

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126 Words | 1 Pages

In the eighteenth century there was a mix of opposition of independence, and a hope that the new nation would become a home of freedom. Thomas Paine’s argument was that America needs to gain independence from England. Some of the reasons Paine wrote Common Sense is because of unnecessary wars, monarchial government, and the way Britain treated America. Regardless of Paine’s popularity with Common Sense, Jonathan Boucher was a minister who explained his opposition of the revolutionary movement in his sermons. He believed if God wanted America to be independent it would have happened, and it is our duty as citizens to obey the laws because we will be disobedient to God.

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260 Words | 2 Pages

Throughout the excerpts of Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” he makes many compelling points on why America during that time was in the perfect position for independence. In the first paragraph Paine writes about how the economy of the colonies could thrive if they were not under the rule of the Britain. He makes points on how if America was not limited in trade by Britain and the colonies had its own legislative branch the economy would be a lot stronger. In the second paragraph Thomas Paine talks about how in the past if the colonies tried to rebel their military would not have been ready but during the time “Common Sense” was written the American military was ready. Another factor in why Paine supported Colonist independence was because it was

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Paine is against America having a connection with Britain and a single person having power. As Paine expresses, King George III is not and should not be able to be in power of the colonists because mankind is created to be equal and therefore kings should be “disapproved by nature” (Paine 217). Not only does Paine express his anger at the topic of a ruler for all, he also voices that America is connected to whatever Britain does and whatever problems Britain has: implying that America has no say what so ever under Britain (Paine 218). Paine is suggesting that Britain is not only hurting but also is subordinating America and its colonies, so a declaration of independence is in need.

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Thomas Paine Common Sense Essay

654 Words | 3 Pages

Before this many Colonists did not know of the harsh injustices done by the British. They also did not believe that the cause for revolution was urgent. Thomas Paine showed them that the cause was urgent by explaining the wrongs the British had committed and why King George was a tyrant. He also showed them that America did not need the British Empire 's protection. This quote shows his reasoning “Small islands, not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something absurd, in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island.”

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182 Words | 1 Pages

On January 10, 1776 (during the American Revolution) Thomas Paine published a pamphlet titled “Common Sense”. In this he sets his arguments in favor of American independence, the pamphlet was written in clear and persuasive prose. It inspired people in the Thirteen colonies to declare and fight for egalitarian government from Great Britain and because of this the pamphlet was an immediate sensation. The pamphlet was originally published anonymously and was one of the most influential pamphlets in America.

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752 Words | 4 Pages

In 1774, Thomas Paine left England and embarked his journey to America. While in America, he witnessed the tension among the colonists struggling with a dull government. Paine saw a lot of conflict and disorder that he was prompted to find an immediate solution. Thomas Paine discovered a great form his ideas could be heard, so he implemented his disputes in a pamphlet which was titled, Common Sense. The pamphlet was dreadfully seen as a confrontation for the British monarchy and cohorts.

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528 Words | 3 Pages

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