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
(4 points)
0 / 50 Word Limit
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1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It emphasized the importance of individual rights and limited the power of the monarchy. Colonists saw this as a model for their own government and a validation of their fight for independence. It also reinforced the idea that government should be based on the consent of the governed and should protect the natural rights of its citizens.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense had a profound impact on colonist views of government. It argued for the complete separation from British rule and advocated for the establishment of a republican form of government. Paine's persuasive writing style and his clear explanations of the problems with monarchical rule resonated with colonists, and the publication of Common Sense helped to unite and radicalize colonial opinions. It played a crucial role in convincing colonists that independence from Britain was not only necessary but also desirable.
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 provided a clear framework for individual rights and limited the powers of the monarchy. Colonists saw this document as a model for how a government should operate, and it influenced their perception of their own rights and liberties. The Bill of Rights emphasized concepts such as due process, freedom from excessive bail or cruel punishment, and the right to petition the government. It also restricted the monarchy's power to suspend laws or levy taxes without the consent of Parliament. This emphasis on individual rights and the checks on government power influenced colonial views and laid the groundwork for the colonists' demands for greater autonomy and representation.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on colonist views of government:
Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776, played a pivotal role in shifting colonist views on government. His persuasive arguments and clear language made the case for why the colonies should break away from British rule. Paine highlighted the injustices and abuses perpetrated by the British monarchy and advocated for the establishment of a democratic republic. Common Sense had a profound impact on shaping public opinion and galvanizing support for independence. It sparked a belief in the idea of popular sovereignty, which held that the power of government should ultimately rest with the people. Paine's powerful rhetoric and call for revolution resonated with colonists, fostering a sense of unity and determination to create a government that would better protect their rights and freedoms. Overall, Common Sense played a crucial role in shaping the colonists' views on government and inspiring the American Revolution.
To answer this question, you need to understand the content and historical context of both the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Here's how you can approach each part of the question:
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government:
a. Start by researching and reading about the content of the English Bill of Rights, which was passed in 1689.
b. Note the key provisions of the Bill, such as guaranteeing certain individual rights and limiting the power of the monarchy.
c. Consider the influence of the English Bill of Rights on colonists, who were primarily of English descent and saw themselves as inheriting these rights.
d. Examine how the Bill's principles of limited monarchy and protection of individual rights influenced the colonists' views of government and their demands for similar rights in their own colonial assemblies.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonist views of government:
a. Begin by familiarizing yourself with Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776.
b. Understand the context in which the pamphlet was written, during the early stages of the American Revolution.
c. Analyze the main arguments and ideas put forth by Paine in Common Sense, such as advocating for American independence from Britain and promoting republican ideals.
d. Consider how Paine's persuasive writing and clear arguments shifted colonists' views of government by challenging their loyalty to the British monarchy and emphasizing the benefits of self-governance.
By conducting in-depth research on the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine's Common Sense, and understanding their historical significance, you can answer each part of this question effectively. Remember to structure your answer using the provided format and provide specific examples and evidence to support your points.