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 was passed in 1689 and it outlined the rights and liberties of individuals, restricted the powers of the monarchy, and established a system of government based on the rule of law. Colonists saw the English Bill of Rights as a model for good governance and believed that it guaranteed their fundamental rights and freedoms. The bill emphasized the idea of limited government, which meant that the power of the monarchy was limited and the rights of the people were protected. This idea resonated with the colonists and influenced their views on government.
The English Bill of Rights also helped to shape the colonists' understanding of individual liberties and their rights as British subjects. It reinforced the principles of due process, freedom of speech, and trial by jury. These concepts became integral to the colonists' beliefs about their rights and freedoms. The bill's influence can be seen in the ideals and demands put forth by the colonists during the American Revolution, as they sought to secure the same rights and liberties that were guaranteed to English citizens under the bill. Overall, the English Bill of Rights played a crucial role in shaping colonists' views of government and their ideas about the rights and freedoms they should be entitled to.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense also had a profound impact on colonist views of government. Published in 1776, Common Sense was a pamphlet that called for American independence from Britain. Paine's persuasive arguments appealed to the colonists and worked to galvanize support for revolution. The pamphlet challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and argued for the establishment of a democratic republic. Paine criticized the idea of hereditary rule and argued that power should be derived from the consent of the governed.
Common Sense sparked a shift in colonist views of government by popularizing the idea of independence and providing a clear rationale for breaking away from British rule. It greatly influenced public opinion and helped to mobilize colonists towards the cause of revolution. Paine's work energized the colonists and gave them a renewed sense of purpose and determination in their fight for freedom.
Additionally, Common Sense also contributed to the colonists' understanding of natural rights and the importance of self-governance. Paine stressed the notion that individuals have inherent rights that cannot be taken away by any government or monarch. This idea resonated with the colonists and reinforced their commitment to fighting for their rights and freedoms. Paine's call for a government that derived its power from the people greatly influenced the colonists' views on the role and structure of government, providing a foundation for the development of the American system of democracy.
In conclusion, both the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine's Common Sense had significant impacts on colonist views of government. The English Bill of Rights provided a framework for limited government and protection of individual liberties, while Common Sense inspired colonists to seek independence and embrace democratic ideals. Together, these influential works helped shape the colonists' notions of rights, freedoms, and the type of government they desired for their newly formed nation.
in 5o words
put it in 50 words
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689, had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It outlined the fundamental rights and liberties that individuals possessed and provided a framework for limited government power.
Firstly, it reinforced the idea of constitutional monarchy and the principle of the rule of law, which greatly influenced the colonists' understanding of a just government. The bill emphasized that the king could not rule without the consent of Parliament and that the monarch's power was subject to limitations set out in law.
Secondly, the English Bill of Rights protected several individual rights that were essential to the colonists, such as freedom of speech, the right to bear arms, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment. These provisions underscored the importance of individual liberties and influenced the colonists' aspirations for similar protections within their own government.
Overall, the English Bill of Rights helped shape the colonists' views of government by highlighting the importance of limited government power, the rule of law, and protecting individual rights.
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 colonist views of government and played a significant role in rallying support for American independence from British rule.
Firstly, Paine's persuasive arguments in Common Sense challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and called for the establishment of a republic. He argued that the colonists should govern themselves through representative democracy, rather than being subject to a distant and tyrannical monarchy. Paine's ideas influenced the colonists' belief in the importance of self-governance and inspired them to seek independence.
Secondly, Common Sense helped unify the colonists by promoting the idea that they were fighting for universal principles of freedom and liberty, rather than just their own specific interests. Paine's writing appealed to the common sense of the colonists and galvanized their commitment to creating a new form of government that would ensure their rights and autonomy.
Furthermore, Common Sense was widely read and distributed, reaching a broad audience and sparking debates about the nature of government and the legitimacy of British rule. It ignited a greater sense of political awareness and mobilized public opinion in favor of American independence.
In summary, Thomas Paine's Common Sense had a significant impact on colonist views of government, promoting the ideals of self-governance, republicanism, and individual freedoms. It helped to shape the colonists' desire for independence and played a crucial role in inspiring the American Revolution.
To answer this question, we need to analyze the impact of the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on colonist views of government. Let's break down each part separately:
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights had on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, which was passed in 1689, played a significant role in shaping colonists' views of government. It outlined various rights and freedoms that individuals possessed, such as the right to a fair trial and protection from cruel punishments. This document influenced the colonists' perception of their own rights and the responsibilities of government.
The English Bill of Rights emphasized the concept of limited government and constitutional monarchy, which meant that the power of the ruler was limited by the laws and the authority of the parliament. Colonists drew inspiration from this concept and incorporated it into their own understanding of government. This notion of limited government was echoed in the writings and discussions of the American Revolution, helping to shape the colonists' desire for increased representation, protection of individual rights, and checks on government power.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonist views of government:
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776, had a profound impact on colonists' views of government and their desire for independence. Paine's pamphlet was widely read and provided a persuasive argument for the necessity of breaking away from British rule.
In Common Sense, Paine powerfully appealed to the colonists' sense of reason and liberty, arguing for the establishment of a republic and the complete independence of the American colonies. His writings helped to solidify the argument for separating from Britain and ignited a widespread sentiment of rebellion and self-governance.
Paine's arguments resonated with many colonists who were already frustrated with British policies and the lack of representation in Parliament. His call for independence and a republican form of government influenced colonists to actively pursue political change. Common Sense galvanized public opinion and served as a catalyst for the Declaration of Independence, which declared the American colonies' intention to separate from British rule and establish their own government.
In summary, the English Bill of Rights influenced colonists' understanding of limited government and constitutional monarchy, while Thomas Paine's Common Sense inspired colonists to seek independence and adopt a republican form of government. Their combined impact helped shape colonists' views on government, ultimately leading to the American Revolution and the establishment of the United States of America.