In "Common Sense," Thomas Paine used several arguments to convince his readers of the need to rebel against English rule. He used this Pamphlet as a medium to present not only facts, but shared points of view between the Patriot Colonists. It is said that it is in our human nature to form governments in our previously formed societies, and Paine explains why British rule is wrong for the future United States.
The British Constitution is contradictory. "There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required." (From Paine's "Common Sense"). If this form of rule barely makes sense for the citizens of
One other major argument that Paine brought up and questions was why the colonists were always secondary to the British mainland if they were truly considered to be a part of Britain. "...England consults the good of this country, no farther than it answers her own purpose." (Section 3, Paragraph 36). If the King wanted to keep complete control of the 13 Colonies, the British government should have treated all of their people, colonists included, as equals, and therefore ruled them as also. A continental form of government is obviously needed to properly rule a countries people, and British rule did not provide this.
Britain itself, how (and why) should it work for the colonies? And furthermore, why should the colonists settle for it? The
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