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
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689, played a crucial role in shaping the colonists' views on government. It highlighted key principles such as individual rights, limited government, and the separation of powers. These ideas resonated with the colonists who were already experiencing grievances under British rule.
The English Bill of Rights served as a model for the American colonies, as it established important concepts that later influenced the development of the United States Constitution and its Bill of Rights. It emphasized the right to fair and speedy trials, the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment, and the freedom of speech and debate in Parliament.
The colonists saw the English Bill of Rights as a validation of their own demands for greater individual liberties and protections against government tyranny. It reinforced their belief that governments should be accountable to the people and that powers should be checked and balanced.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonist views of government:
Published in 1776, Thomas Paine's pamphlet Common Sense had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It made a compelling case for American independence from Britain and rallied public support towards the cause of revolution.
Paine's powerful arguments resonated with the colonists by effectively critiquing the idea of monarchy and advocating for the principles of republicanism. Common Sense helped shift public opinion towards the idea that independence was not only desirable but necessary for a just and fair society.
Paine called for a government based on the consent of the governed, suggesting that power should be derived from the people, not from a monarch or other hereditary institutions. He advocated for the establishment of a democratic republic, wherein elected officials would represent the interests of the people.
Common Sense galvanized the colonists by providing a rational justification for their desire to break away from British rule, empowering them to challenge the existing order and assert their right to self-governance. It significantly influenced the Declaration of Independence and shaped the foundations of American political thought, inspiring the colonists to establish a new government centered on individual liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness.
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689, outlined several fundamental rights and liberties that could not be infringed upon by the monarchy. It established the principle that governmental power should be limited and subject to the law, and that the ruler should govern with the consent of the governed. These ideas had a significant impact on colonist views of government.
Firstly, the bill emphasized the importance of individual rights, such as freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishment. Colonists were exposed to these concepts and began to demand similar protections for themselves. They saw the bill as a confirmation that those in power should respect and uphold the rights and freedoms of the people.
Secondly, the English Bill of Rights showcased the idea of the separation of powers and the importance of checks and balances in a government. It highlighted that the monarch should not have absolute authority and that the Parliament should have a role in decision-making. Colonists saw this as a model for effective governance, which influenced their belief in the need for representation and limits on executive power.
Overall, the English Bill of Rights influenced colonists to advocate for individual rights, limited government authority, and the idea that government should derive its power from the people. It laid the foundation for the colonists' resistance against British rule and their aspiration for a government that would respect their rights and provide them with representation.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on colonist views of government:
Thomas Paine's influential pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776, had a profound impact on colonists' views of government and played a crucial role in galvanizing support for independence from Great Britain.
One key impact of Common Sense was its clear and persuasive argument for republicanism and the idea that power should originate from the people. Paine criticized the monarchy and aristocracy, advocating for a government based on elected representatives who would prioritize the interests of the citizens. This notion resonated strongly with colonists who had long felt oppressed by the British monarchy, and it bolstered their desire for self-governance.
Another significant impact of Common Sense was to shift public opinion towards complete independence from Britain. Paine argued that the ties with Great Britain were not only unnecessary but also detrimental to the colonies. His pamphlet challenged the authority of the British government and questioned the legitimacy of a distant ruler dictating the lives of the colonists. By inspiring the idea of total separation, Paine played a crucial role in pushing colonists towards outright rebellion.
Furthermore, Common Sense helped to unify the colonists by appealing to their shared grievances and inspiring a common cause. Paine's straightforward language and compelling arguments gave a voice to the frustrations of many who felt marginalized and unrepresented. It sparked discussions and debates among colonists, promoting a sense of solidarity and a collective understanding of the need for radical change.
In summary, Thomas Paine's Common Sense influenced colonists by advocating for republicanism, fueling the desire for independence, and rallying support for the revolutionary cause. It played a pivotal role in shaping colonists' views of government, illustrating the potential for self-governance and inspiring them to take decisive action against British rule.