British Colonies in the 18th Century to the Revolution

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British Colonies in the 18th Century to the Revolution
What do you think are some of Paine’s most important arguments?
Various arguments are raised in the Common Sense pamphlet, key among them is the origin and plan of a state which appears in section 1. Under this argument, Paine creates a framework for the Republican administration by associating it to the enlightenment theory of John Locke. Paine acknowledges that man has not discovered another form of management better than the government which is based on the need of clustered individuals to agree to live together to achieve maximum happiness. In the agreement to stay together, Paine argues that people need to choose their representation, make accepted rules of engagement which leads to the need to have elections.
Also, Paine rubbishes the boundaries that have been created between Kings and their subjects. He argues that all men are created equal and goes ahead to highlight previous problems created by monarchies which include leading people to war. Paine regrets that as much as the king’s livelihood depended on the people he ruled, he still demanded to be worshiped, which according to Paine, is immoral (Paine, “Common sense”).
Why do you think this writing was so effective?
This writing was effective because it called upon the people to realize the injustices they were being subjected to by the entire monarchy. It is eye opening because it helps the subjects to acknowledge that the king needs the subjects more than the subjects need the king.

This means that a relationship between the king and subject should be that of mutual respect. Additionally, Paine introduces an alternative government where people agree on laws to govern them and then elect the people to represent their interests in government.
What did the Declaration of Independence mean?
The declaration of independence marked a new dawn when the 13 states agreed to come together and form the United States. It meant that the people of the United States were never to be subjected to foreign rule again. It emphasized the transfer of power to the people who would determine the laws that would govern them, the people to lead them and the direction their government would take. The declaration of independence meant that the people were determined to defend their independence through all means available to them.
Furthermore, the declaration of independence meant that the previous abuse of the people by colonial government would never happen again. The bad memories of the colonial rule like impunity, slavery, lack of the rule of law, repeated injury, and ignorant for public opinion and so on were not going to be included in the new system of administration (Congress, “Declaration of Independence”).
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Why has it been so important in American life and thought?
The declaration of independence is important because it marks a period in history when the American people had their elected government in power and began to be ruled by their laws.
The declaration of independence marked a period when the law would treat every citizen equally, and human rights were respected just the way the creator of all human beings intended. The government would never find a reason to take away the inalienable rights of the people as the right to life, right to be free as well as the freedom to pursue happiness. The declaration of independence emphasizes the fact that the government should be accountable to the people who put it in power and that loyalty of the government should be to the people of the United States.
Works Cited
“Constitution Society-Declaration of Independence.” Webmd, 1st Dec. 2016,
http://www.constitution.org/us_doi.htm.
“Constitution Society-Thomas Paine: Common Sense.” Webmd, 1st Dec. 2016,
http://www.constitution.org/civ/comsense.htm.
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