1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonist views of government. It was a document that outlined the rights and liberties of the people, limiting the power of the monarchy and providing protections against arbitrary rule. The colonists, who were primarily of English descent, saw the English Bill of Rights as a validation of their own desires for freedom and limited government. It emphasized the importance of individual rights, such as freedom of speech, trial by jury, and the prohibition of cruel and unusual punishments. The English Bill of Rights also established the principle of parliamentary supremacy, which meant that the power of the government rested with the elected representatives rather than the monarch. This idea resonated with the colonists and influenced their belief in representative government and the need for a system of checks and balances. Overall, the English Bill of Rights provided a framework for the colonists' understanding of government and reinforced their desire for independence and self-governance.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense had a profound impact on colonist views of government. Published in 1776, it was a pamphlet that advocated for American independence from British rule. Paine's powerful and persuasive arguments resonated with the colonists and significantly influenced their perception of government. Common Sense challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and argued for the establishment of a republic, where power resided with the people. Paine criticized the idea of hereditary rule and argued that government should be based on consent and the will of the people. This radical idea of popular sovereignty greatly influenced the colonists' views on government and fueled the growing sentiment for independence. Moreover, Paine's language was simple and accessible, making his arguments widely understood and popular among the colonists. Common Sense inspired many colonists to question British rule and embrace the idea of self-governance. It provided intellectual and moral support for the American Revolution and helped unite the colonists in their pursuit of independence from Great Britain. Ultimately, Thomas Paine's Common Sense played a crucial role in shaping colonists' views of government, pushing them towards the belief in a republican form of government and inspiring their fight for freedom.
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
5 answers
Summarize that into 50 words
The English Bill of Rights validated the colonists' desire for freedom and limited government, influencing their belief in individual rights and representative government. Thomas Paine's Common Sense challenged monarchy, advocated for American independence, and inspired colonists to embrace self-governance and fight for freedom.
paraphrase that into 7th grader language
The English Bill of Rights made the colonists believe that they should have freedom and a government that doesn't have too much power. Thomas Paine's Common Sense made them think that they should be independent from Britain and have a government where the people have a say.