Thomas Paine Common Sense Analysis

786 Words4 Pages

Thomas Paine’s pamphlet “Common Sense” was one of the most important documents written in the period leading to America’s independence from Britain. In this pamphlet he spoke in favor of American independence. He wanted to let his fellow colonists know that it was time to stop talking about leaving the English rule, and time to take action. He spoke of how America should form a democratic republic that allowed the people to decide what rules and laws they should have. It was written in common english, for everyone, so that every one could understand it There are many things he argues for, this essay will talk about the main points of it and how it shaped America today and other important documents. While Thomas Paine was not too fond of government as whole he said that “Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one.” (2) This speaks to Paine’s distrust all governments, while acknowledging the necessity of it for a functional society. He talks about how a society without government is worse. People tend to confuse …show more content…

In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson says, "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed...laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness." Jefferson suggested with that narrative that the new type of democratic system created by American colonies would be the opposite of the oppressive government of Britain. Thomas Paine makes similar claims in "Common Sense" saying,"The cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind...we have in our power to begin the world

Open Document