Explain the impact that the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine's common Sense had on colonists view of government format your answers as follows one impact of the English Bill of Rights had on colonists views of government and two impact of Thomas Paine's common Sense had on colonists use of government
One impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonists' views of government was the idea of limited monarchy. The Bill placed restrictions on the powers of the monarch, ensuring that they could not suspend laws, impose taxes, or maintain a standing army without the consent of Parliament. This concept of limiting the power of the monarch resonated with colonists who had experienced abuses of power under British rule. It influenced their belief in the importance of checks and balances and the idea that government should serve the interests of the people.
Two impacts of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonists' views of government were the ideas of independence and democratic governance. Paine argued that it was absurd for a small island to rule a vast continent like America and called for the colonies to separate from British rule. His pamphlet facilitated a shift in colonists' thinking towards independence, providing them with a clear rationale for breaking away from British control. Furthermore, Paine emphasized the importance of representative government based on the consent of the governed, rejecting the notion of monarchy. He fueled colonists' desire for a democratic form of government, shifting their focus towards establishing a new system where power lies with the people rather than a monarch.
One impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonists' views of government was:
1. Protection of civil liberties: The English Bill of Rights, which was passed in 1689, established certain rights and freedoms for the English people. It emphasized the idea that the government should not infringe upon the fundamental rights of individuals, such as freedom of speech, right to a fair trial, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. This idea resonated with the colonists, who believed that they too should be entitled to these rights. The English Bill of Rights served as a model for the protection of individual liberties in colonial America, influencing colonists' views that government should respect and safeguard these rights.
Two impacts of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonists' views of government were:
1. Advocate for republicanism: Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776, played a significant role in shaping public opinion during the American Revolution. Paine argued for the complete independence of the American colonies from British rule, asserting that hereditary monarchy was an outdated and oppressive form of government. Instead, he advocated for a republican form of government, where power would be vested in the people. Common Sense challenged the legitimacy of British rule and encouraged colonists to envision a government based on the will of the people. It inspired a shift in colonists' views towards self-governance and the belief that they should have the right to choose their own leaders.
2. Increased support for the American Revolution: Common Sense had a profound impact in galvanizing support for the American Revolution. Paine's persuasive arguments and clear language made his pamphlet accessible to the common colonists, reaching a wide audience. He pointed out the injustices of British rule, advocating for equal rights and representation for the American colonies. Common Sense effectively sparked a sense of urgency and unity among colonists, fostering a belief in the necessity of breaking away from British control and establishing a new and independent government. It helped to crystallize the colonists' views of government as one rooted in democratic principles and fueled their resolve to fight for independence.
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonists' views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, established in 1689, had a significant impact on the colonists' views of government. One major impact was that it helped solidify the colonists' belief in the importance of individual rights and liberties. The bill placed clear restrictions on the powers of the monarch, affirming the rights of individuals to trial by jury, protection from cruel and unusual punishments, and the consent of Parliament for taxation. These protections resonated with the colonists, as they viewed them as essential to safeguard their own liberties. The English Bill of Rights laid the foundation for the notion that government authority should be limited and that individuals have inherent rights that should be protected.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonists' use of government:
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776, also had a profound impact on the colonists' understanding and use of government. One impact was that it shifted the colonists' perspective towards embracing the idea of independence from British rule. Paine's compelling arguments, written in accessible language, galvanized public opinion and urged colonists to question the legitimacy of monarchy and hereditary rule. He argued for a democratic form of government, where power resided with the people and not in the hands of a single monarch. Common Sense helped to unite colonists and fostered a sense of nationalism, fueling the desire for revolution and ultimately leading to the Declaration of Independence. Paine's work challenged traditional notions of government and played a crucial role in shaping the colonists' viewpoint and determination to establish a new form of governance based on democratic ideals.