Common Sense Summary By Thomas Paine

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A Summary of Common Sense by Thomas Paine
Introduction
Thomas Paine begins by stating that there is a possibility that the ideas and beliefs he presents within this pamphlet are too ahead of their time for the general population to support. He writes that just because the readers have never thought of something as wrong, doesn’t make it right, and given time they’ll come to see the truth in that statement as well as the truth contained in his pamphlet. The Americans living under the rule of the King of England had the privilege as the oppressed to question, and possibly oppose, the rule of the King and Parliament. For those who agree with Paine, the success of this pamphlet is not necessary to continue on the right path for this nation. The …show more content…

He then goes on to describe the ways that the English constitution, and whole government system, is flawed. The English constitution contradicts itself by saying that the Crown can’t be trusted to rule on their own and that the commons were appointed too check in on the king and, therefore, are wiser and more worthy to rule than the Crown. Yet, the constitution also gives the King the power to check the commons i.e. the people wiser than him. The entire constitution and system makes little sense, causes all the many parts and powers to slow each other down, and results in nothing getting done. Basically, the will of the King is the law of the land. Thomas Paine than urges the reader to not be prejudiced by the fact that they’ve lived under the English constitution for so long or else it will hinder them from being able to tell what a good constitution …show more content…

First of all, just because America has flourished under the rule of Great Britain in the past does not mean it is a necessary for the country’s future happiness and that reconciliation is not the reader’s duty as a person of English descent nor will true reconciliation be accomplished at this point in time. Great Britain has only ever defended America for the sake of trade and domain, which is unnecessary anyway as a continent (America) does not need anyone to defend it and an island (Great Britain) doesn’t naturally govern a continent. Defense would be unnecessary as well if America was independent from Great Britain because then all of their enemies will become simple, friendly trade partners and America will stay uninvolved in European wars. Only those with no common sense believe that being dependent on Great Britain still has advantages for America. Thomas Paine declares that independence is the only way to keep the peace of the continent and that now is the time to form our own government with a president, equal representation, a congress, delegates, etc., and lay down our own rights.
Of the Present Ability of America, With Some Miscellaneous

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