Question

From Thomas Paine's "Common Sense", January 1776>>>>>> "Nothing but independence...can keep the peace of the continent...A government of our own is our natural right; and when a man seriously reflects on the precariousness [uncertainty] 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...".What is the main idea of this statement?
A-The colonists should stay loyal to the British crown

B-The colonists obviously have the right to independence and self-government

C-The colonists would be safer if they kept peace with Britain

D-The colonists have the power to defeat Britain

Answer 1

Answer:

B

Explanation:

Quotes that explain my answer...

“A government is our own natural right”

“Wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own”

Not only these quotes, but also Thomas Paine himself proves my answer! He was all for revolution!

Answer 2

Answer:

$\boxed {\boxed {\sf B. \ The \ colonists \ have \ the \ right \ to \ independence \ and \ self-government}}$

Explanation:

For some background information, "Common Sense" was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine to galvanize the colonists to support the idea of independence.

Now, let's analyze the passage. Some important and recurring ideas are independence and autonomy.

Here are some quotes that reinforce this idea:

• "A government of our own is our natural right"
• "Nothing but independence...can keep the peace"
• "it is...wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own"

So, this statement clearly doesn't call for being loyal, allied, or in a conflict with Britain. It reinforces the idea that the colonists deserve their own government, so B is the best answer choice.