Use the excerpt to answer the question.

A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance.—Thomas Paine, Common Sense

What effect do you think these words had on the American colonists?

(1 point)

Use the excerpt to answer the question.

A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance.—Thomas Paine, Common Sense

What effect do you think these words had on the American colonists?

(1 point)
Responses

They most likely inspired fear in the Loyalists of the Patriots.
They most likely inspired fear in the Loyalists of the Patriots.

They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.
They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.

They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.
They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.

They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity
They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity

These words likely had a motivating and inspiring effect on the American colonists. They would have emphasized the importance of having their own government and constitution, rather than relying on external factors such as time and chance. This would have fueled the colonists' desire for independence and self-governance, ultimately contributing to the American Revolution.

Use the excerpt to answer the question.

A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an interesting event to time and chance.—Thomas Paine, Common Sense

What effect do you think these words had on the American colonists?

(1 point)
Responses

They most likely inspired fear in the Loyalists of the Patriots.
They most likely inspired fear in the Loyalists of the Patriots.

They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.
They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.

They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.
They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.

They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity
They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity

The excerpt from Thomas Paine's Common Sense likely had a significant impact on the American colonists. It emphasized the idea that it was their natural right to have their own government. Paine argued that having their own constitution created deliberately and purposefully was much wiser and safer than leaving the formation of their government to chance and time. These words likely sparked a sense of urgency and determination among the colonists to establish their own system of governance, ultimately leading to the American Revolution and the eventual formation of the United States as a sovereign nation.

Based on the excerpt, these words by Thomas Paine likely had a significant effect on the American colonists. They would have served to persuade and motivate the colonists to fight for their own independent government. The excerpt emphasizes the idea of self-governance as a natural right and highlights the precariousness of human affairs. This would have resonated with the colonists who were seeking autonomy from British rule. Paine's argument that it is wiser and safer to create their own constitution rather than leaving their fate to "time and chance" would have provided a sense of urgency and purpose to their cause. Overall, this excerpt likely helped solidify and strengthen the colonists' desire for independence and influenced their decision to fight for their own government.