The following Free Response question has two parts.
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. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It provided a clear outline of the rights and liberties that individuals should expect from their government, such as freedom of speech, the right to a fair trial, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. This document established the principle that government should serve the people and protect their rights, rather than being an oppressive force. The colonists admired the English Bill of Rights and saw it as a model for their own governance. It helped shape their belief in the importance of individual liberties and limited government power, which became central to their demands for independence.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense had a profound impact on colonist views of government. Published in 1776, this pamphlet advocated for American independence and challenged the authority of the British monarchy. Paine's powerful arguments against monarchy and his call for the establishment of a republican form of government resonated with many colonists who were growing increasingly dissatisfied with British rule. Common Sense spread widely throughout the colonies and sparked a sense of revolutionary fervor. It played a crucial role in mobilizing public support for independence and convincing many colonists that a complete break from British rule was necessary. Paine's ideas influenced the colonists' belief in the importance of self-governance, the consent of the governed, and the pursuit of individual rights, which became fundamental principles of the new American government.
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689, greatly influenced colonists' views on government. It was a crucial document that guaranteed certain rights and liberties to English citizens, including trial by jury, protection against cruel and unusual punishment, and the right to bear arms. This document aimed to limit the power of the monarchy and establish a more balanced government.
Colonists felt inspired by the principles laid out in the English Bill of Rights, as it emphasized the idea that fundamental rights should be protected and that government should be accountable to its citizens. It challenged the traditional belief in absolute monarchy and promoted the concept of a limited government with checks and balances.
The English Bill of Rights thus played a significant role in shaping colonists' understanding of their rights and their expectations for a just government. It fostered a sense of empowerment among the colonists, fueling their desire for greater autonomy and self-governance.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonist views of government:
Published in 1776, Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, had a profound impact on colonist views of government and played a significant role in shifting public opinion toward independence from Great Britain.
Common Sense was a persuasive and straightforward argument for the inherent rights of individuals and the call for American independence. Paine's powerful language and relatable writing style made his message accessible to common colonists, leading to widespread support for the cause of independence.
Paine challenged the legitimacy of the British monarchy and called for a republican form of government. He argued that it was irrational for a small island like Great Britain to govern such a vast and diverse continent like North America. Paine's pamphlet emphasized the principles of natural rights, equality, and popular sovereignty, resonating with the colonists' desire for self-determination.
Common Sense galvanized public opinion and fueled sentiments of revolution. It helped to unify colonists by presenting a compelling case for breaking away from British rule. Paine's work had a transformative impact on the colonists' views of government, contributing to the spirit of rebellion and galvanizing their commitment to establishing an independent nation based on democratic principles.