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
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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.
To determine the effect of Thomas Paine's words on the American colonists, we can analyze the excerpt. Paine argues that it is a natural right for the colonists to have their own government and that they should form a constitution in a deliberate manner. He emphasizes the precariousness of human affairs and the potential dangers of leaving such an important event to time and chance.
Based on this analysis, it is most likely that these words strengthened the colonists' desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain. The excerpt speaks to the colonists' sense of self-governance and highlights the risks of not taking action. This would have resonated with those who already desired independence and reinforced their determination.
Therefore, the answer is: They most likely strengthened the colonists' desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.