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Thomas Paine Absolutism

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We’ve come to wonder where the early forms of government started, when mankind at its start didn’t necessarily have a system imposed upon themselves to provide security, stability, and the health of their citizens. Early scriptures gave us an idea that kings weren’t present, which some can argue that it led to no wars. But, with the introduction of monarchies or any form of ruler, in which Paine argues that “it is their pride which throws mankind into confusion”. By looking at this, throughout history nations/territories have a ruler that would enter war whether it’s to demonstrate one’s power to conquer or act against certain actions under the ruler’s orders. We humans have created our societies based on our preferences of lifestyles …show more content…

Before writing Common Sense a lot of the political theories created by other philosophers were implemented within the pamphlet and also argued. For example, Montesquieu developed the theory of the separation of powers, a theory written within the constitution and adopted by many other nations. We are also given Paine’s perspectives on certain issues like the implementation of a constitutional monarchy, which was formulated by John Locke, in which Paine argued on what’s the point of having a monarch where certain limits could be avoided due to the monarch’s influence. That is why the English constitution involves a house of commons who are appointed by the king, known to be wiser helps keeps the king’s power in check, but lacks the power to create or pass laws which contradicts Montesquieu theory. By following this, Paine states “that the king is not to be trusted without being looked after; or in other words, that a thirst for absolute power is the natural disease of monarchy.” From this statement Paine gives us the key issue towards this system of government, where separation of powers will play a large role within our democratic system, so that the President can avoid having absolute power. With this in mind, Paine discusses particular ideas such as implementing 26 members to 2 represent each colony

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