Question

Common Sense
by Thomas Paine

I draw my idea of the form of government from a principle in nature, which no art can overturn, viz. that the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered; and the easier repaired when disordered; and with this maxim in view, I offer a few remarks on the so much boasted constitution of England. That it was noble for the dark and slavish times in which it was erected, is granted. When the world was over run with tyranny the least remove therefrom was a glorious rescue. But that it is imperfect, subject to convulsions, and incapable of producing what it seems to promise, is easily demonstrated.

Absolute governments (tho’ the disgrace of human nature) have this advantage with them, that they are simple; if the people suffer, they know the head from which their suffering springs, know likewise the remedy, and are not bewildered by a variety of causes and cures. But the constitution of England is so exceedingly complex, that the nation may suffer for years together without being able to discover in which part the fault lies, some will say in one and some in another, and every political physician will advise a different medicine.

I know it is difficult to get over local or long standing prejudices, yet if we will suffer ourselves to examine the component parts of the English constitution, we shall find them to be the base remains of two ancient tyrannies, compounded with some new republican materials.

First.—The remains of monarchical tyranny in the person of the king.

Secondly.—The remains of aristocratical tyranny in the persons of the peers.

Thirdly.—The new republican materials, in the persons of the commons, on whose virtue depends the freedom of England.

The two first, by being hereditary, are independent of the people; wherefore in a constitutional sense they contribute nothing towards the freedom of the state.



"Common Sense" by Thomas Paine

Question
Use the passage to answer the question.

What concept is expressed in the passage?

(1 point)
Responses

The English are limited in their capacity to rule.
The English are limited in their capacity to rule.

Suffering is a direct result of democracy.
Suffering is a direct result of democracy.

Absolute government is inherently bad for Americans.
Absolute government is inherently bad for Americans.

Tyranny must be addressed through discourse.
Tyranny must be addressed through discourse.
Remaining Attemp

Answer 1

Tyranny must be addressed through discourse.

Paine critiques the English constitution and explicitly examines its components, arguing the problems must be exposed and discussed to show how tyranny remains and how freedom depends on the commons.