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. Impact of the English Bill of Rights had on colonist views of government:
The English Bill of Rights, passed in 1689, had a significant impact on colonist views of government. This document established several crucial principles that influenced the colonists' perception of their rights and the role of government. The bill highlighted the idea that power should be limited and shared between the king and Parliament. It also stated that the monarchy should be subject to the law and that individuals had certain fundamental rights that could not be violated.
The English Bill of Rights had a profound effect on colonist views of government, as it provided a model for ensuring a balance of power and the protection of individual rights. The colonists saw it as a confirmation of the rights they believed they were entitled to as English subjects. They became more aware of the importance of having a government that respected their rights and limited its power. This, in turn, fostered a growing sense of independence and a desire for self-governance among the colonists.
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 significant impact on colonist views of government and played a crucial role in pushing them towards independence. Paine made a compelling argument for breaking away from British rule and establishing a new form of government.
"Common Sense" challenged the legitimacy of a monarchy and argued for the establishment of a republic. Paine argued that it was absurd for a small island like Great Britain to govern a vast continent like North America. His powerful and accessible writing style resonated with the colonists and helped them understand the flaws and limitations of monarchical rule.
Paine's pamphlet also gave a voice to the frustrations and grievances that many colonists had been feeling. It called for a government that derived its power from the consent of the governed and emphasized the importance of individual rights and liberty. "Common Sense" helped shift public opinion towards supporting independence and inspired many to question their loyalty to the British crown.
Overall, Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" played a crucial role in galvanizing the colonists, convincing them of the necessity of independence, and shaping their views on the kind of government they wanted to establish in its place.
50 word limit
1. English Bill of Rights: Established a model for limited government and protection of individual rights, influencing colonists to seek self-governance.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense: Challenged monarchy, advocated for republic, and inspired colonists to question loyalty to Britain, fueling desire for independence.
1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on the colonists' views of government.
- The English Bill of Rights, enacted in 1689, was a crucial document that outlined the rights and liberties of individuals and limits on the power of the monarchy. It guaranteed basic freedoms, such as the right to a fair trial, freedom of speech, and protection against cruel and unusual punishment.
- The colonists saw the English Bill of Rights as a model for protecting their own liberties and rights. They believed that these essential principles should be applied to their own colonial governments, which were often seen as oppressive and lacking in protections for individual rights.
- The English Bill of Rights also emphasized the idea that government power should be limited and should not infringe upon the natural rights of citizens. This notion resonated with the colonists, who were increasingly dissatisfied with British rule and sought greater autonomy.
- Overall, the English Bill of Rights helped shape the colonists' understanding of the rights and liberties they believed they were entitled to and influenced their demands for self-governance and independence from British rule.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense had a profound impact on colonists' views of government.
- Published in 1776, Common Sense was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine that argued for American independence from British rule. Paine's persuasive and straightforward style made his arguments accessible to a broad audience.
- Common Sense challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and advocated for the idea of self-government. Paine argued that it was common sense for the colonies to govern themselves and that they did not owe allegiance to a distant monarchy that did not represent their interests.
- This pamphlet had a transformative effect on public opinion in the colonies. It helped shift the perception of the conflict from a dispute over taxes and policies to a fight for liberty and individual rights. Common Sense resonated with colonists who felt oppressed and marginalized under British rule.
- Paine's ideas in Common Sense helped galvanize support for the revolutionary cause. It encouraged colonists to question and challenge the authority of the British government and inspired many to advocate for independence.
- In summary, Thomas Paine's Common Sense played a pivotal role in shaping the colonists' views of government by championing the ideals of self-governance, individual liberty, and independence.
To answer the question, we need to examine the impact of both the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on colonist views of government. Here's how we can go about answering each part:
1. To explain the impact of the English Bill of Rights on colonist views of government, we need to understand what the Bill of Rights was and how it affected the colonists. The English Bill of Rights was a document passed by Parliament in 1689 that established certain rights and liberties for the people and limited the powers of the monarchy. It included provisions such as the right to a fair trial, freedom from cruel and unusual punishment, and freedom of speech and religion.
To identify the impact on colonist views, we can look at the historical context and consider how the English Bill of Rights influenced the colonists' perception of their own rights and government. For example, the English Bill of Rights served as a model for the colonial governments and helped to shape the colonists' understanding of individual rights and the limitations on governmental power. It demonstrated that a government could be established with clear rules and protections for its citizens.
2. Moving on to the impact of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense on colonist views of government, we again need to understand the document and its significance. Common Sense was a pamphlet published by Thomas Paine in 1776, advocating for American independence from British rule. It presented arguments that resonated with many colonists, calling for a break from the British monarchy and the establishment of a democratic republic.
To explain the impact, we can consider the influence of Paine's ideas on the colonists' perception of government and their desire for independence. Common Sense helped to popularize the ideas of republicanism and self-governance, emphasizing the importance of individual rights and the consent of the governed. It provided a clear and persuasive argument for why the colonists should fight for their independence and establish a government based on the will of the people.
By analyzing the impact of both the English Bill of Rights and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, we can gain insight into how these documents shaped colonist views of government and influenced the path towards American independence.