“A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the

Question

precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a
constitution of our own in a cool deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an
interesting event to time and chance. If we omit it now, some, Massanello may hereafter arise, who laying hold
of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and discontented, and by assuming to themselves
the powers of government, may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge…”
4. Where does Pain argue that power is derived from and why is it safer?

Answer 1

In the excerpt you provided from Thomas Paine's writings, he argues that power should be derived from the consent of the governed and that forming a constitution is a wiser choice than leaving the future of governance to chance and the whims of individuals.

Paine emphasizes that it is far safer and more prudent to establish a constitution deliberately and thoughtfully while people have the ability to do so. By forming a government based on a constitution that reflects the will and rights of the people, it safeguards against the potential for tyranny or chaotic upheaval that can arise from discontented individuals seizing power opportunistically—as he illustrates with the mention of a figure like Massanello, who could capitalize on unrest and manipulate the situation for personal power.

In essence, Paine's argument suggests that a structured, consensual system of governance offers stability and protects the liberties of the people, whereas leaving governance to unplanned events and individual charismatic leaders poses significant risks to freedom and order.