1. The English Bill of Rights had a significant impact on colonists' views of government. It provided a clear set of rights and protections that were previously lacking under British rule. The bill guaranteed freedoms such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and freedom from excessive bail or cruel punishments. These rights were seen as essential to a fair and just government by the colonists. It also established the principle of limited government, stating that the monarchy's power was not absolute and that Parliament held the authority to make laws and levy taxes. This notion of limited government resonated with the colonists, who had experienced the overreach of British rule and sought to ensure that their own government would not encroach upon their rights. Ultimately, the English Bill of Rights helped shape the colonists' belief in individual liberties and the importance of a government accountable to its citizens.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense also had a profound impact on colonist views of government. Published in 1776, this pamphlet was widely read and helped rally support for American independence from Britain. Paine's writing passionately argued for the principles of republicanism and self-governance. It called for the establishment of a democratic government that derived its power from the consent of the governed. Common Sense resonated with colonists who were tired of British oppression and sought to shape their own destiny. Paine's arguments against the monarchy and hereditary rule challenged the traditional view of monarchy as the ideal form of government. His persuasive writing style and straightforward arguments helped to galvanize support for the American Revolution. By challenging the legitimacy of British rule and advocating for self-rule, Common Sense played a pivotal role in shaping colonists' views of government and catalyzing the desire for independence.
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
50 word limit
1. English Bill of Rights: Colonists saw it as essential for fair government, guaranteeing freedoms like speech and religion, and establishing limited monarchy power.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense: It passionately argued for republicanism, self-governance, and challenged traditional monarchy, inspiring colonists to seek independence and shape their own government.
2. Thomas Paine's Common Sense: It passionately argued for republicanism, self-governance, and challenged traditional monarchy, inspiring colonists to seek independence and shape their own government.
The English Bill of Rights listed the rights of the people, colonists saw these guarantees of rights as fair, and the English Bill of rights heavily influenced the constitution. Thomas Paine's Common Sense argued about how independence should be common sense,this caused colonial leaders to discuss the possibility of independence.
1. Impact of the English Bill of Rights: Colonists viewed the guarantees of rights as fair, and it heavily influenced the constitution.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense: It argued for independence and inspired colonial leaders to discuss the possibility of independence.
2. Impact of Thomas Paine's Common Sense: It argued for independence and inspired colonial leaders to discuss the possibility of independence.