Answer:
Option C: He refutes the idea that America depends on Britain, using the opinion that America's trade has a secure future.
Explanation:
Thomas Paine refutes the argument stated in the beginning of the passage. He refutes it not on a single basis but on two basis.
First he refutes it by stating, <em>"Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument." </em>And, next he says, <em>"But even this is admitting more than is true, for I answer roundly, that America would have flourished as much, and probably much more...".</em>
So, what Thomas really wants to say is that America would still have flourished even without British or any other European countries because America had enriched herself by commerce.
Options A and B are incorrect because this is the argument he is trying to refute.
No such thing as in option D is presented in this passage.
