Summary Of Common Sense By Thomas Paine

In the pamphlet common sense Thomas Paine argues for American independence. His arguments starts with his view about the government, religions, and colonial situation. Paine then begins distinguishing between society and government. According to Paine society is when good and productive people join together to undertake different tasks. On the other hand, government is an organization whose only purpose is to protect us from our own sins. Paine goes on to say that even when the government is at its best it is still evil. Paine then comes up with a scenario about a group of people on an island being cut off from society. These people start making alliances with each other and lawmaking becomes unavoidable. On the other hand, Paine also argues that the representation of the system is also better for the American colonies. He talks about how he disagrees with the British system. For example, he states that it is too difficult and the monarchy is granted too much power. He goes on to say that the British system pretends to offer an acceptable system of checks and balances but in reality it is a scam.

In the second chapter Paine states that there were no kings.

At that time the Jewish people copied these customs from those around them The Jewish people asked the prophet Samuel for a king, but he tried discouraging them but they all insisted that they wanted a king. According to Paine that was a bad mistake and creating a king was a sin. Man were only supposed to have one God and having a king ruling over you like a God was a mistake. Considering the biblical origin of monarchy, Paine believes that this practice is sinful. Paine argues that since all men are created equal, no man should have the right to launch his family forever dominating over

others.
Paine also observes that the recent kings of England have mostly been bad, which he says should indicate, even to those who favor hereditary succession, that the present line of kings does not exercise legitimate power. Hereditary Succession is not valid and brings only bad news with it. For example, people who are born into higher classes are often acting superior or ignorant according to Paine.
The third chapter covers the argument that Britain protected colonies, but Paine argues that Britain only protected colonies for financial gain. On the other hand Paine also points out that if the colonies were not dependent on Britain, they would no longer be enemies with countries who were foes of Britain. Paine also argues that if the colonist do not seek full independence it will only end in a temporarily struggle, and children belonging to those in power will only be forced to take arms against Britain.
He also gives out details about how he sees the proper type of government for America, and gives choices on how the law should be laid down to ensure the protection of certain rights.
Paine ends this section with an impassioned plea to break free of the tyranny of the British. In the last chapters of the pamphlet Paine talks about how America will eventually separate from Britain. And the only problem that should arise is who disagree when the separations should take place. On the other hand, he talks about how America has the power and force to break through. And how they should us the large number of men they have to battle and break free.