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
1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It was a document that outlined the rights and liberties of the people, limiting the power of the monarchy and providing protections against arbitrary rule. The colonists, who were primarily of English descent, saw the English Bill of Rights as a validation of their own desires for freedom and limited government. It emphasized the importance of individual rights, such as freedom of speech, trial by jury, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments. The English Bill of Rights also established the principle of parliamentary supremacy, which meant that the power of the government rested with the elected representatives rather than the monarch. This idea resonated with the colonists and influenced their belief in representative government and the need for a system of checks and balances. Overall, the English Bill of Rights provided a framework for the colonists' understanding of government and reinforced their desire for independence and self-governance.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense had a profound impact on colonist views of government. Published in 1776, it was a pamphlet that advocated for American independence from British rule. Paine's powerful and persuasive arguments resonated with the colonists and significantly influenced their perception of government. Common Sense challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and argued for the establishment of a republic, where power resided with the people. Paine criticized the idea of hereditary rule and argued that government should be based on consent and the will of the people. This radical idea of popular sovereignty greatly influenced the colonists' views on government and fueled the growing sentiment for independence. Moreover, Paine's language was simple and accessible, making his arguments widely understood and popular among the colonists. Common Sense inspired many colonists to question British rule and embrace the idea of self-governance. It provided intellectual and moral support for the American Revolution and helped unite the colonists in their pursuit of independence from Great Britain. Ultimately, Thomas Paine's Common Sense played a crucial role in shaping colonists' views of government, pushing them towards the belief in a republican form of government and inspiring their fight for freedom.
Summarize that into 50 words
The English Bill of Rights validated the colonists' desire for freedom and limited government, influencing their belief in individual rights and representative government. Thomas Paine's Common Sense challenged monarchy, advocated for American independence, and inspired colonists to embrace self-governance and fight for freedom.
paraphrase that into 7th grader language
The English Bill of Rights made the colonists believe that they should have freedom and a government that doesn't have too much power. Thomas Paine's Common Sense made them think that they should be independent from Britain and have a government where the people have a say.
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights had on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, which was enacted in 1689, had a significant impact on the colonist views of government. It outlined a range of rights and liberties that were now protected under the law. This included the rights to free speech, free elections, fair trials, and freedom from cruel and unusual punishment. The English Bill of Rights also restricted the power of the monarchy and gave more power to the Parliament.
For the colonists, who were living under British rule, the English Bill of Rights served as an influential example of how a government should operate and ensure the rights and freedoms of its citizens. It showed them that a government should not have absolute power and should be held accountable for its actions. The English Bill of Rights inspired the colonists to strive for similar protections and limitations on their own governing bodies.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense had on colonist views of government:
Thomas Paine’s pamphlet, Common Sense, published in 1776, had a profound impact on the colonist views of government leading up to the American Revolution. Paine argued for independence from British rule and questioned the legitimacy and effectiveness of monarchy. He presented his ideas in a clear and persuasive manner, appealing to the common people and challenging the authority of the British monarchy.
Common Sense played a pivotal role in shaping the colonists' perception of government and their desire for self-governance. Paine's arguments against the monarchy and his call for the establishment of a republic resonated with many colonists who were frustrated with British rule. The pamphlet became immensely popular, spreading revolutionary ideas and influencing public opinion.
Paine's persuasive arguments, combined with the mounting grievances against British rule, solidified the idea that the colonists should have the right to govern themselves and break away from British rule. Common Sense helped fuel the fires of rebellion, galvanizing support for the American Revolution and ultimately leading to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.
To answer this question, we need to understand the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine's Common Sense and how they influenced colonial views of government. Here's how you can approach answering each part:
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government:
- Begin by explaining what the English Bill of Rights was: It was a document signed in 1689 which laid out the rights of English citizens and limited the power of the monarchy.
- Discuss the specific rights and freedoms granted by the English Bill of Rights: This includes protections like the right to a fair trial, freedom from excessive bail or cruel punishment, and the right to petition the king.
- Explain how the English Bill of Rights influenced colonists: Mention that many colonists saw the English Bill of Rights as a model for protecting their own rights and freedoms. They recognized the importance of limiting the power of a central authority and ensuring individual liberties.
- Discuss the impact on colonists' views of government: Explain that the English Bill of Rights inspired colonists to demand similar protections and rights from their own government. It contributed to their growing consciousness of individual rights and the idea that government should be accountable to the people.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense on colonist views of government:
- Begin by introducing Thomas Paine's Common Sense: Explain that it was a pamphlet published in 1776 that urged colonists to break away from British rule and embrace independence.
- Discuss the key arguments made in Common Sense: Highlight Paine's critique of monarchy and inherited power, his call for representation and self-governance, and his idea that it was common sense for the colonies to become a separate nation.
- Explain how Common Sense influenced colonists' views of government: Mention that Common Sense resonated widely among colonists by articulating ideas of independence and self-determination. It challenged the belief in British authority and inspired colonists to seek a system of government that represented their interests.
- Discuss the impact on colonists' views of government: Explain that Common Sense played a significant role in mobilizing public opinion and fostering support for the American Revolution. It helped shift colonists' perceptions of the role of government, directing their attention towards the principles of popular sovereignty and republican governance.
Remember to provide specific examples and evidence to support your explanations for both parts.