Explain the impact that the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonist views of government.
Format your answer as follows:
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights had on colonist views of government
2. Impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonist views of government
(4 points)
1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It was passed in 1689 and outlined several important rights and principles that colonists believed were essential to a just and fair government. Some key impacts of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government include:
- Strengthening the belief in the limited power of the monarchy: The Bill of Rights asserted that the power of the monarchy was limited and that the King or Queen had to rule in accordance with the laws passed by Parliament. This idea of limited power resonated with the colonists, who saw it as a protection against tyranny and arbitrary rule.
- Reinforcing the importance of individual rights: The English Bill of Rights included provisions such as the right to petition the government, the right to a fair trial by jury, and the right to bear arms for self-defense. These rights highlighted the idea that individuals have inherent rights that should be protected by the government, a concept that greatly influenced colonists' views on government.
- Inspiring the concept of popular sovereignty: The Bill of Rights established the principle that ultimate authority rests with the people, as represented by their elected representatives in Parliament. This idea of popular sovereignty, or the notion that the people have the right to determine the form and function of their government, had a profound impact on colonists who sought greater control over their own governance.
2. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had a significant impact on colonist views of government. Published in 1776, this pamphlet advocated for American independence from British rule and played a crucial role in catalyzing public support for the Revolutionary War. Here are some key impacts of Common Sense on colonist views of government:
- Amplifying the idea of republicanism: Common Sense emphasized the importance of having a republican government, in which power is vested in the hands of the people and representatives chosen by them. Paine argued that monarchical systems were inherently flawed and that the colonists should strive for a system that prioritized the welfare and rights of the people.
- Challenging the authority of the monarchy: Paine's pamphlet harshly criticized the British monarchy, calling it a system that perpetuated inequality and abuse of power. By questioning the legitimacy of the monarchy and advocating for its replacement with a republic, Common Sense played a crucial role in shifting colonists' perceptions of government and paving the way for independence.
- Inspiring a sense of unity and revolution: Common Sense appealed to colonists across the diverse American colonies, speaking to their shared grievances and calling for unified action against British rule. Paine's powerful arguments motivated colonists to question the authority of the British government and inspired a revolutionary spirit, further fueling the desire for independence.
In summary, both the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine's Common Sense had profound impacts on colonists' views of government. The Bill of Rights strengthened the belief in limited power, individual rights, and popular sovereignty, while Common Sense amplified republican ideals, challenged the authority of the monarchy, and inspired a revolutionary spirit. These influences ultimately shaped the colonists' resolve for independence and paved the way for the formation of a new American government.
1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It was passed in 1689 and its purpose was to limit the power of the monarchy while asserting the rights of the Parliament and individual citizens. This document outlined certain fundamental liberties, such as freedom of speech and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. The English Bill of Rights established the principle that the government's power should be derived from the consent of the governed, which resonated strongly with the colonists.
As news of the English Bill of Rights spread to the American colonies, it fueled a growing belief among colonists that they too had a right to certain basic liberties and protections. It inspired a sense of entitlement and a desire for self-governance, as the colonists recognized the inherent importance of their individual rights. The English Bill of Rights helped to lay the groundwork for the ideals of freedom and limited government that would eventually shape the American Revolution.
2. Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, published in 1776, had a profound impact on colonist views of government. It was a pamphlet that passionately argued for American independence from Great Britain and challenged the idea of monarchy as a form of government. Paine's straightforward and persuasive writing style made his arguments accessible to the common people, and Common Sense quickly became a bestseller in the colonies.
Paine's ideas resonated with the colonists, who were already growing increasingly discontent with British rule. Common Sense strongly influenced public opinion and helped to shift popular sentiment towards favoring rebellion against British authority. Paine argued that the American colonies should establish a government based on the principles of republicanism and a written constitution.
The impact of Common Sense was significant, as it served as a catalyst for the colonists to question the legitimacy of British rule and to consider the possibility of self-government. It inspired many colonists to actively support the cause of independence and helped to unite a diverse group of people behind a common goal. The ideas expressed in Common Sense ultimately played a crucial role in the decision to declare independence and establish a new form of government for the United States.