A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously reflects on the 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.— Thomas Paine, Common Sense

Question

What effect do you think these words had on the American colonists?

(1 point)
Responses

They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity
They most likely increased colonial acts of civil disobedience by confirming their validity

They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.
They most likely encouraged the Framers to meet and write the U.S. Constitution at the Continental Congress.

They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.
They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.

They most likely inspired fear in the Loyalists of the Patriots

Answer 1

They most likely strengthened the colonists’ desire to act on their wish to separate from Britain.

Thomas Paine's argument in "Common Sense" aimed to persuade the colonists that forming their own government was not only a natural right but also a rational and necessary step given the uncertainties of relying on British rule. This message likely galvanized support for independence among the colonists.