Sarah Haskins' Discussion Questions 11/6-11/9
For this week's discussion have at least the Declaration of Independence and T. Paine's Common Sense read from the online reader. Even if you have read either before this course, please read them again in light of the themes and topics of this course.
Prompt: Relate the Declaration and Common Sense to John Locke's theories of government (social contract, right of revolution, natural rights, etc.). How are they similar and how do they differ? Why do you think Jefferson and Paine set up their arguments in the way that they did? Did they accurately reflect the conditions of colonial America at the time or were there other reasons for their arguments?
Prompt: Relate the Declaration and Common Sense to John Locke's theories of government (social contract, right of revolution, natural rights, etc.). How are they similar and how do they differ? Why do you think Jefferson and Paine set up their arguments in the way that they did? Did they accurately reflect the conditions of colonial America at the time or were there other reasons for their arguments?
posted by shask at 4:37 PM
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The term social contract means that people give up some rights to a government in order to receive social order. All members of a society are bound by the social contract to respect. The right to revolution or the "right of rebellion" was taken up by John Locke in Two Treatsies of Governemtn as a part of his social contract theory. He declared that under natural law, all people have the right to life, liberty, and estate. He also wrote that people could instigate a revolution against the government when it acted against the interests of the citizens and can repleace the government with another government in the interests of the citizens. One theory of natural rights was developed from the theory of natural law during the Enlightenment in opposition to the divine right of kings. A natural right is one that is claimed to exist even when it is not enforced by the government as a whole.
Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence think very similarily to John Locke's Two Treatise of Goverment. He states that all men are given the rights of life, liberty, and the pursiut of happiness. The declaration also states that the government makes sure these rights are secured, however, if the government is not in the best interest of the people, a new form of government can be instituted. The new form of government will ensure the people safety and happiness. A new concept seen in the Declaration of Independence is that all the United Colonies have the right and ought to be free and independent states. They are absolved from all ties to the Britiesh and all political connection between them and the state of Great Biratin is totally dissolved. Because of this all the states have full power to levy war, conclude peacem contract alliances, establish commerce, and do all other acts and things which independent states my of right do.
Thomas Paine's Common Sense was written to avoid everything which was considerd personal among themselves. Paine expressed his opinions agains the British rule. He said that it was ridiculous for an island to rule a continent and that America was not a British nation but that it was composed of influences and people from all of Europe. Thomas Paine proposes a constitution of the United States as well as a method to be used for the purpose of drafting that was later known as the Magna Carta. He also advised the American colonists with "simple facts, plain argumants, and common sense" that everything that is right pleads for separation from the British rule.
Jefferson and Thomas Paine set up their arguments in very different ways. Jefferson comes off more respectively and at ease. Thomas Paine came off more aggressively. He came off very strong in order to get his point across.
The two papers accurately reflect the conditions of colonial America at the time. During this time the people were focused on the restoration of the church of england. Also the idea of divine right of kings was being discussed about but no actions were being taken.
The declaration of independence uses many of Locke’s ideas for its argument. One of the first ideas that he uses is the social contract. The social contract is the idea where people give up some of their rights in order have order. Jefferson writes “He has abdicated government here, by declaring us out of his protection and waging war against us.” Jefferson uses this quote to show colonists how the British government broke the social contract. Most prominently, Jefferson uses the argument of a right to revolution in order to get the colonists riled up and agree to the Declaration. Locke explains that under any government, if it is not following the will of its people, the people have the right to revolt and make a new government. Jefferson uses this idea and says “that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government.”
Similar to the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Paine uses many of Locke’s theories as well. However, Paine’s most prominent argument is that the British government does not protect the colonists’ natural rights. This quote is just one example of how Paine get the citizens riled up and against the British government by showing them that the British are not protecting their natural rights. “For all men being originally equals, no one by birth could have a right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others for ever, and though himself might deserve some decent degree of honors of his contemporaries, yet his descendants might be far too unworthy to inherit them” Paine was also against the monarchy and used Common Sense to get the other colonists to see how the monarchy was not beneficial to them.
Both The authors set up their arguments just to get colonists on their side. Both documents were basically propaganda to get more people against the British government and support the American cause. Jefferson and Paine did not accurately reflect what was really going on in the colonies. Britain did not treat the colonies unfairly until the colonies revolted against everything that Britain tried. All the taxes that Britain imposed were not different than the ones they had in England. The only argument that the colonists really had was the fact that they did not have actual representation in Parliament.
The ideas of John Locke are clearly reflected in both the Decleration of Independence and Common Sense. In fact, The Declaration of Independence almost seems to stem off of Locke's right of revolution. The first line of the Decleration states "That all men are created equal, that they are endowed to certain unalienable rights...that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it...as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." This line heavily indicates the Lockean ideas of right of revolution and natural rights. Jefferson then went on to state the injustices of the monarchy and the reasons for Independence.
In Common Sense Thomas Paine attacked the institution of Divine Right and the Monarchy. His ideas were incredibly similar to that of Locke's ideas on hierarchy’s and that of natural rights. At one point Paine says, "In that first parlaiment everyman, by natural right will have a seat." This not only shows Paine's belief in everyone created equal, but also reflects his discontent with the British heirarchy.
Jefferson devised his essay to fit more of a political agenda. The Decleration of Independence was written as a right of rebellion more then for the public. Paine's Common Sense on the other hand was directed more at the public and was a lot more intense then The Decleration. Paine even went as far as directly insulting the King. Paine wrote a passionate essay designed to call upon the "common people" whereas Jefferson's Decleration was directed more torwards political leaders and influential American's.
Both Jefferson's and Paine's essays were semi accurate representations of what was going on in the American colonies at the time. Paine used strategic over exagerations and metaphors to arouse the emotions of the people. Jefferson's Declaratoin was a more realistic representation.
The ideas of John Locke are clearly reflected in both the Decleration of Independence and Common Sense. In fact, The Declaration of Independence almost seems to stem off of Locke's right of revolution. The first line of the Decleration states "That all men are created equal, that they are endowed to certain unalienable rights...that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or abolish it...as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness." This line heavily indicates the Lockean ideas of right of revolution and natural rights. Jefferson then went on to state the injustices of the monarchy and the reasons for Independence.
In Common Sense Thomas Paine attacked the institution of Divine Right and the Monarchy. His ideas were incredibly similar to that of Locke's ideas on hierarchy’s and that of natural rights. At one point Paine says, "In that first parlaiment everyman, by natural right will have a seat." This not only shows Paine's belief in everyone created equal, but also reflects his discontent with the British heirarchy.
Jefferson devised his essay to fit more of a political agenda. The Decleration of Independence was written as a right of rebellion more then for the public. Paine's Common Sense on the other hand was directed more at the public and was a lot more intense then The Decleration. Paine even went as far as directly insulting the King. Paine wrote a passionate essay designed to call upon the "common people" whereas Jefferson's Decleration was directed more torwards political leaders and influential American's.
Both Jefferson's and Paine's essays were semi accurate representations of what was going on in the American colonies at the time. Paine used strategic over exagerations and metaphors to arouse the emotions of the people. Jefferson's Declaratoin was a more realistic representation.
John Locke’s ideas and beliefs on government were reflected throughout Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence. John Locke’s ideal of a social contract meant that communities formed nations in order to maintain order. People should give up some rights for an organized government. In the Common Sense, Paine argued that it was ridiculous for an “island to rule a continent.” New nations being formed were no longer under British rule because the “mother country” was too far away for them to govern their nation. They wanted a new government with their own Constitution. Their own ‘social contract.” In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson believed that there was too much distance from the governement in Britain. People sometimes need to change their government for the better. Their rules to follow were only for the benefit of the British. This new nation needs to be independent. They are not receiving the rights that they deserve.
Locke believed in the Rights of a revolution. He believed that the people being governed needed to give up some freedoms in exchange for a well rounded government. That also means that if the government becomes too controlled people have the right to overthrow the state. They can fight for their rights, if they think they are being treated unfairly. In the Common Sense, Paine believes that Britain was out for them selves and that the King was taking away too many rights. Therefore they should have the right to get rid of Britain and be able to form their own government. It’s just “common sense.” Paine wrote, “I offer nothing more than simple facts, plan arguments, and common sense...” In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson explained that this new nation needed to be free and independent. All connection needed to be dissolved. They have a “right to a revolution.” In the Preamble, Jefferson believed that they can have a revolution when the government is harming the natural rights. In both writings, they both agree that being separated from the King was the best answer. They have a right to rebel.
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence were both big on natural rights as believed by John Locke. Everyone is granted freedoms when they are born. They all are born with “natural rights.” Pain argued that it was “time to part.” People need their freedom and should be able to have more freedom than what they are receiving now. In the Declaration, Jefferson wrote, “ We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their created with certain unalienable rights, that among there are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Everyone is born with natural rights.
The Declaration of Independence was written with the influence of Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. The Common Sense was written when people were upset and wanted to be separate from Britain. It was the real first argument to be separate from Britain. People read this throughout the nation and it put a spark to the beginning of the revolution. The Declaration was written during the revolution. It was constructed more efficiently and organized because it was the nations document that would set them free from British rule. Jefferson was more respectful than Paine, because this was a document that would change our government forever.
Both Paine’s Common Sense and Jefferson’s declaration drew a lot of their criteria from Lockean Principles. Paine’s main reasons in writing Common Sense were that it was ridiculous that an Island across the nation rule a set of people who had their own ideologies and principles, Paine also thought that Britain was trying to rule the colonies because it was benefitting them through resources and land expansion, another idea that Paine did not agree with Britain on was that Britain would drag the colonists into unnecessary European Wars. This would hinder the International commerce in which America was excelling in at the time. These reasons fit together well with Locke’s idea of Right to Revolution. Paine gave the idea of having a constitution for the colonists themselves. Jefferson gained many of his ideas from Paine’s writings. Both documents were huge advocates of natural rights. Each individual is endowed his fair share. Jefferson even repeats some of his phrasing in relation to natural rights, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of property” was written in Common Sense and “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” in the declaration. The Declaration was more intended as a rebellion to the British whereas the Common Sense was intended for the public to spark interest in gaining independence from Britian. As a proclamation, the Declaration was used as a propaganda tool, in which the Americans tried to establish clear reasons for their rebellion that might persuade reluctant colonists to join them and establish their just cause to foreign governments that might lend them aid. The Declaration also served to unite the members of the Continental Congress. The colonists did not want to view this as a civil war but a war for Independence.
Both documents were fairly accurate concerning the condition of the colonies. Paine is accused of some of his fellow writers of the time as being too optimistic about the colonies particularly in relation to military strength. Jefferson was for the most part accurate. Both Common Sense and the Declaration put the ideas and thoughts of many colonists into words as a rebellion to Britain. Both were successful in doing so and have become famous historically.
John Locke’s theories were very similar to Jefferson’s Declaration and Paine’s Common Sense. John Locke created his “social contract” theory that people need to accept that in order to have order sometimes you need to give up some of your rights to gain an organized government. Locke also believed that if the government was acting in a way that did not act in the interest of the citizens then the people had the right and duty to rebel against that government and replace it with a government that helped the citizens; this was known as Locke Two Treatises of Government which declared that everyone had the right to life, liberty, and property.
Thomas Jefferson’s is similar to John Locke’s was of thinking as well. Jefferson writes the Declaration of Independence that all men are given the rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. He also mentions that it is the government’s duty to make sure all these rights are kept true and safe; if they do not in some way fulfill those duties then it is the job of the people to over throw and creates a new government. Thomas Jefferson was a lot more affective with his Declaration then Paine was with his Common Sense, as Jefferson’s was more focused on getting to the political leaders and not so much the public as Paine’s was set to be.
Paine’s had the same idea in which Locke did when it came to the Divine Rights and the “natural rights” of people. Paine was a lot more heated in his essay and was hence very good at getting the public worked up about the whole situation with Britain. Both Paine and Locke agreed that people had “natural rights” in which a person was born with and no matter what anyone tried to do, government or not, those rights could not be taken away from anybody.
Paine and Jefferson’s thought it was time to leave Britain and go their separate ways. Their representation of what was really going on in the American colonies at the time were fairly accurate; Jefferson’s more than Paine’s at any rate. Paine was more on trying to get the emotions stirred up among the colonist by exaggerating what was really happening and even going as far as insulting the King of England, while Jefferson’s was a lot more realistic representation of the happening and occurrences in the American colonies.
Locke's writings coincide directly with both the Declaration of Independece as well as Paine's Common Sense. First of all, Locke's idea of social contract was set in place in order to make society run smoothly and prevent chaos from erupting. Jefferson writes in the Declaration of Independence that Britain has essentially taken this social contract too far. It was finally time for the colonies to stop the chaos due to Britain's rule and begin a culture on their own.
Paine, originally born in England, strongly disapproved the monarchy in his native country. This was the main idea in the colonies as well. Getting rid of an obnoxious monarchy and replacing it with what we now call a "democracy".
Both of these views did accurately portray the conditions of the colonies at the time. The main idea was to break free and become independent states. Through Locke's ideas came the Declaration of Independence. This was finally gave the colonists what they so desperately strived for. Thomas Paine's composition Common Sense also gave the colonists a boost of self-esteem and really pushed for what was necessary for a successful society.
Both Jefferson’s writing in the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense invoke several of John Locke’s ideas from his theory of government. The most prominent are the ideas of natural rights, the idea of a social contract between the government and the governed, and the idea of the right of revolution. These can be very clearly seen in the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson entwines all three ideas into a single document calling for the separation of the colonies and Great Britain. On the idea of natural rights, Jefferson says that every single person from birth is given “certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” He says that to protect these rights, people create governments and these “governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed” and if the government does not protect these rights, “it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government.” All of these ideas laid out in the Declaration of Independence come directly from the ideas of Locke. However, they differ in one fashion. Locke says the natural rights are life, liberty, and property while Jefferson said they are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Jefferson knew what he was doing when he altered this idea. The “pursuit of happiness” applies to a lot more people emotionally no matter what class or walk of life they come from. This was used to get people to join the side of the revolution.
In Common Sense, Paine uses similar ideas from Locke’s theory on government. Paine agrees with the idea of a social contract between government and the people saying “they will mutually and naturally support each other, and on this…depends the strength of government, and the happiness of the governed.” He says that monarchies “by being hereditary, are independent of the people; wherefore in a constitutional sense they contribute nothing towards the freedom of the state.” He says the monarchy of Great Britain brings nothing but tyranny to the American colonies and that is grounds for revolution and separation of the states.
Both Jefferson and Paine set up their arguments not only to justify revolution, but also to persuade people who were unsure as to whether they should rebel or not especially the considerable number of “common” people in America. Both used numerous examples to show why revolution was a good retaliation. They also used emotional and strong phrases and rhetoric that everyone could relate to in order to convince the people that revolution was right. The leaders of the revolution could not do it alone, everyone was needed.
For the most part, a lot of their arguments were correct. However, some things may have been a bit exaggerated to make their point. Deeply arousing depictions were used: “He has erected a multitude of new offices, and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.” Whether people knew what that meant or not, they knew it was bad. These exaggerations were only made to make a stronger case and persuade as many as they could that the colonies had to separate themselves from Great Britain.
The Declaration of Independence reflects Locke’s ideas in that part of the declaration is declaring our natural inalienable rights. Locke’s idea of natural rights was the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of estate. The rights in the declaration are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Also, Locke’s idea of the right to revolution stated that if a governing body of people took advantage of these rights then the people had a right to revolt and overpower that governing body. Thomas Paine in Common Sense greatly denounced the King and Britain. He encouraged people to rebel and greatly advocated the American Revolution. Britain at that time was not respecting American’s natural rights. The ideas of Locke and other ideas during the Enlightenment greatly influenced Thomas Jefferson, main author of the Declaration of Independence, and Thomas Pain, auth of common sense, which all influenced and encouraged the American Revolution.
The Declaration of Independence heavily reflects many of the ideas of John Locke, particularly right of revolution and natural rights. While the Declaration states, “When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the laws of nature and of nature's God entitle them,” it represents the fact that America has the right to become an independent nation, and to completely break free from the political ties with the British. In Locke’s piece The Second Treastise of Civil Government, he expresses his beliefs that: “natural liberty of man is to be free from any superior power on earth, and not to be under the will or legislative authority of man, but to have only the law of nature for his rule.” Here one can see the vast similarities on the issue of a nation’s right to independence. Both Locke and Jefferson illustrate how important it is that man be granted not only a right to revolution, but also be given natural rights for being human.
In addition to the writings of Locke and Jefferson, Paine’s writing, Common Sense, stresses America’s need to release itself from British ties. In doing so, Paine feels that America will be much better off and thrive as an independent nation. Paine states, “I have heard it asserted by some, that as America hath flourished under her former connection with Great Britain, that the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing can be more fallacious than this kind of argument.” Here Paine furthermore emphasizes that America would thrive and do much better without being under the control of the British.
Another issue that is commonly crossed by all three of these men is the idea of social contract. This term simply means having to make some sacrifices and give up some rights to the government in order to maintain order. Jefferson hints in The Declaration of Independence that America had been doing far more than making small sacrifices toward order, and that in reality order was not even being achieved. The Declaration states, “But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object, evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government.” It is the long train of abuses, according to Jefferson, which make a change necessary.
Finally, Both Jefferson and Paine portrayed the conditions of colonial America at the time fairly accurately. They saw, like many others that a change needed to be made and that America was in dire need of its independence and needed to break free from British rule. While their ideals and viewpoints were similar, these two men go about presenting their arguments in totally different ways. The Declaration was a very formal writing which is still held in very high esteem today as a symbolic representation of the U.S breaking its ties. On the other hand, Paine’s piece mainly attacked the views of others and called out those who believed British rule was positive.
Jefferson and Paine wrote two of the most important documents in all of American history, and in these writings were very apt to use quotations and ideas from English philosopher and Enlightenment thinker John Locke. Locke’s theories of government contained three central ideas: the social contract, the right of revolution, and the natural rights of all people.
In the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson used all three of these ideas, and even modified them slightly to fit his situation. In the Preamble of the Declaration, Jefferson goes straight into the idea of having the right to “dissolve the political bands” with a governing body. His justification for this dissolution is clearly founded in Locke’s concept of ‘right of revolution’, and can be seen in the following quote: “…it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government…”
Jefferson agreed that those being governed had the right to decide on how they should be governed. He also believed that all people had “unalienable rights”, which is a reference to the natural rights that Locke spoke of. Jefferson used a quote from Paine’s Common Sense when he named the three rights (Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness), but added ‘happiness’ instead of ‘property’. Jefferson was more concerned with people having political autonomy than the right to property that Locke always spoke of.
Paine’s Common Sense pamphlet was actually written before the Declaration of Independence, and Jefferson used many ideas from his writings while drafting the Declaration. Paine also echoed many of Locke’s ideas. A main argument Paine used was that when Britain was no longer concerned with the well-being of the American people, and that they only exerted authority for their own benefit. He also used the ‘state of nature’ in his argument, claiming that, “Everything that is right and natural pleads for separation…”
Jefferson and Paine’s ideas came from the same place, making their writings extremely similar. By using the central government tenets of Locke’s writings, they effectively persuaded Americans into revolting against the British Empire. They used realistic examples, embellishing slightly at times (“Freedom hath been hunted round the globe” Paine, Common Sense). It is reasonable to suggest that the writings of these men were two of the catalysts that sparked our separation from Great Britain.
Both the Declaration of Independence and Common Sense draw heavily off of John Locke’s theories of government. It is from Locke’s ideas on the right of revolution that Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine created both documents. In the eyes of Jefferson and Paine, Britain had violated the rights of the colonies and were not representing them in Parliament. So according to Locke this gave them the right to revolution and the right to create a social contract or government that would better represent them. However, they also differed from Locke’s theories because they were directly criticizing George III while Locke only criticized the English system of monarchy he did not focus problems on one individual person.
I think that Jefferson and Paine set up their arguments the way they did because it helped explain to the colonists why they felt that they needed to revolt against Britain. For example, Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence lists the reasons why the colonies should be independent states separate from England. While Paine described what was happening at the time he was writing Common Sense that gave the colonists reason to revolt. Both Jefferson and Paine set up their separate documents in an effective way that listed what England had done against the colonists and then described why this gave them the right to revolt and form a new government with better representation of their interests.
Yes, I believe that they accurately reflected the conditions of colonial America at the time as they used recent events that had occurred to show how Britain had abused their powers. They also helped reaffirm many colonists’ beliefs that England was not keeping the colonists best interest in mind. However, Jefferson and Paine also wrote their respective documents in order to get people rallied up for the rebel cause. These two documents helped reaffirm colonists’ stances on what should happen with their relationship with Britain and finally brought many to action.
Both the Declaration of Independence correlate so well with Locke's views that it is likely both found their basis in his teachings. The most obvious is the Declaration's emphasis on the right of revolution. We see in the preamble basically a definition of Locke's ideal that the people have a right to overthrow an unjust government. "whenever...government becomes destructive...it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it". We also see a similarity in the the belief of natural rights. Locke believed that the goal of life was to make oneself happy, and it is a main goal of the Declaration to ensure happiness to its citizens. Paine was similar to Locke in his emphasis on the freedoms of man that he believed was severely limited by the British government. Basically, Paine's common sense was a more descriptive way than the Declaration of describing colonists' problems. The only large difference I saw between these two writings and Locke was the detail. Locke criticized the ideals of the British people as a whole but he did not specifically attack the King or any particular event. The Declaration and Common Sense were both an extensive list of particular events and people who caused the disparity between America and Britain. I believe both works reflected the colonists feelings well because of the specific detail and issues attacked within each document. However, I also believe they were most likely somewhat exxagerated in order to present a better argument for a seperation of the two governments. The embellishment made a better argument.
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” and The Declaration of Independence written by Thomas Jefferson have very similar views as Locke. Although Locke wrote many years before Paine and Jefferson, they same problem with England continued. Locke wrote encouraging the people of England to over through the government because the kings were unjust, and just the same, Jefferson and Paine wrote to encourage the American colonists to gain independence from British control. Similar to Locke, “Common Sense” and The Declaration of Independence support the idea of the peoples’ right to revolution when the government is breaking the social contract that is held between the government and the people. In addition, they both make mention of the human rights that are being violated by the British government. Some of these rights include life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness according to The Declaration of Independence. Most importantly, all of these documents were made to start a revolution.
However, there are some differences between the works. For example, both “Common Sense” and The Declaration of Independence use much more detail than Locke. In Locke’s writings, he criticizes the English government as a whole and does not make pin point details that support his argument. Quite to the contrary, Paine and Jefferson use many of the present day examples of tyranny over the American colonies and directly critique the ruling of George III. Also, Paine and Jefferson probably based their ideas off of Locke’s original views but tweaked them slightly to fit the definition of the problem the Americans were facing.
Paine and Jefferson both wrote truths about the condition of American and the tyranny of the people, however, the truth was stretched. At some points they made the English seem much worse than they were in reality. The reason for this was to build up the Americans’ spirits and start a revolution to gave independence.
Jefferson and Paine virtually had the same ideas. Locke focused on three important topics at the time: social contract, right of revolution, and natural rights. Jefferson’s main purpose of his writing was to separate the colonies from Britain. Jefferson stepped up and put into effect what Locke was saying about “unalienable rights” (natural rights).
I believe that the arguments that Jefferson and Paine established were beliefs of everyone at that time. Paine believed that America was actually being hurt more by being under rule of England than breaking away and forming states. It turns out that Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence after Paine wrote his Common Sense. Everything Paine wrote about was just plain common sense; however, someone needed to state the obvious. This two writing were the feeling of all of ‘Americans’ and were the most important documents pertaining to our freedom. They wrote these documents so that everyone could understand them. They were very detailed in their writing, careful not to leave out anything. They wanted Britain to listen and comprehend that it was time for America’s freedom.
Thomas Paine’s Common sense and the Declaration of Independence have ideas discussed by Locke. Common Sense talks about society vs. government. It shows the idea that society is all people joining together to work for good and to accomplish things. It shows government as a force used to institute laws and to guarantee that all people are given the right to property, life, and liberty. This idea is seen in the beginning of he Declaration of Independence. Jefferson writes that all men “are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness,” due to the fact that all men are created equal. This idea of equality was seen very often in Locke’s writings and ideas. He felt that all men were born equal and this allowed all men an equal right to succeed and become an upstanding citizen. Common Sense also tackles what America should due in order to have rule in their nation. He suggests a representative democracy, which gives equality to all colonies. He feels that it is time to break away from Britain, and that it is just the natural cycle of a nation to form their rules and laws. This is a perfect connection to the Declaration of Independence, because that is our ruling document. It decides what is right and wrong and was written relatively broad so that in the future all decades could use it to serve their time period. Locke felt that government should be installed not to persecute people into doing things, but to guide people to make the right decisions, and punish people appropriately if they break the rules. This is seen in both Common Sense and the Declaration of Independence.
Thomas Paine, Thomas Jefferson, and John Locke had many of the same views of government and the rights of the people. Paine and Locke more so than Jefferson were more focused on the rights and desires of the people than Jefferson who was mostly focused on the political view of the people.
John Locke inspiration can from the Enlightenment, which taught truth could only be derived from the observation, experience, and experiment of using reason. This sense of belief highly influenced Locke’s beliefs of people’s right and government’s actions towards those rights. His social contract which makes up the two treaties of government states that the people rule the government the government does not rule them. If their government goes against their wishes the people have the right to revolt against them this is also known as “right of revolution.” Locke also revised the view of “nature” as a relatively benevolent, people were naturally free, natural individuals they could take care and rule themselves.
Also on the lines of government Locke states his view of Liberalism, which the role of government is not to advance a certain religion, of force overbearing rule upon its population, but rather it exists to protect an individual’s natural right to life liberty and property.
Jefferson states in the Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” This is quite similar to Locke’s Treaties of government with the protecting the right of the people. Jefferson in the declaration not only has the protection and desire of the people stated but also the foundation of the government to be protected and cherished as well.
Paine uses similar ideas from Locke’s theory of government as well in Common Sense. Paine agrees with Locke’s idea of social contract of rights of the people and the power they have over the government. Paine says that monarchies “by being hereditary, are independent of the people; wherefore in a constitutional sense they contribute nothing towards the freedom of the state.” Paine strongly was against British rule and them trying to take over and have power over the colonies.
Jefferson, Paine, and Locke’s view all in all were quite similar with some differences that distinguish them between each other. This main similarity was protecting the rights and desires of the people.
The Declaration of Independence and Paine's Common Sense exhibit many of the same ideas that were originally introduced by the enlightenment thinker, John Locke.For example: in relation to social contract,Locke said that authority must be derived from the consent of the governed.This is obvious in the Declaration of Independence.As far as the right of revolution, the Declaration of Independence states,"... and a man hath a right to do everything that he thinks proper without control or restraint."Also,"When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another...they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation." This supports Locke's right of revolution which basically says that the people can change things if the ruler is acting in an unjust manner that isn't approved of by the people.They have the right to change that.Natural rights, as outlined by Locke, are life, liberty, and property.The Declaration of Independence also says that we are entitled to certain inalienable rights: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.Thomas Paine also embraced the idea that people should be entitled to natural rights and that no government should be able to infringe on them.Other ways that the documents are similar are in their biblical references.For example, in the preamble of the Declaration it says, "...they are endowed by their Creator..." Some differences are the delivery of the pieces of writing.The Declaration is more respectable sounding, obviously wanting to be taken seriously.While I'm sure that Paine wanted his ideas to be taken seriously, he delivers his ideas in an almost insulting way.Paine often attacks Great Britian.For example, Paine says,"Small islands not capable of protecting themselves are the proper objects for kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something very absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island."Ouch!Paine was brave enough to speak out against the monarchy,which was a dangerous thing to do in that time.This is the main difference.
I think it was because of their motivations that Jefferson and Paine set up their arguments how they did.Jefferson was more focused on getting through to Great Britain by proposing the change in a rational way.Paine, on the other hand, attacked Great Britain and possibly thought that his method would bring about the change that he sought. Perhaps Paine also used such an offensive approach to bring about anger among the people so he could gain support in his cause. This could also be a reason that the conditions of colonial America were blown a little out of proportion. They wanted to make it seem worse than it was to evoke a revolution.The two men sought to bring about change even if the supposed basis of their arguments weren't exactly factual. These two intriguing men cared enough about their country that they were willing to exaggerate things in order to bring about the change that they knew was much needed and much deserved for the good people of the nation.
John Locke would have agreed for the most part with the Declaration of Independence and Common Sense. His ideas of social contract, right of revolution, and natural rights go along with what is written in the Declaration of independence and Common Sense. The idea of social contract states people give up some rights to gain social order. Right of revolution is the right to rebellion. Also, natural rights are the right to life, liberty, and estate. The declaration of independence stated that it was necessary for colonial America to separate from Great Britain representing the right of revolution. The Declaration of Independence also states all men are equal and guaranteed life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Then, the government derives its powers from the consent of the governed and that people have the right to change the government. All of these statements go hand-in-hand with John Locke’s theories. Jefferson’s set up his argument by first declaring America’s independence then stating what Great Britain was doing to cause Americans to want to be independent. His writings reflect the conditions of colonial America. This writing style is effective because he makes his point and then proves it. Thomas Paine’s writings explore not only government but many aspects of society, although, Paine’s writings on government agree with Locke’s government theories. Common Sense also explains why a monarchy as a form of government will not work. Paine mixed in his argument with examples proving his argument throughout the essay. Paine’s ideas could pertain to any era they are not specific to colonial America.
Both Thomas Paine’s Common Sense and The Declaration of Independence reflect directly on Locke and his theories of government. Locke believed that every man was born as a “blank slate” – that every man had equal opportunity to succeed in the world. He also felt that government was too harsh and should be more tolerable and punish less. His social contract stated that people give up certain rights in order to gain freedoms in society. He also believed that if the people thought their government to be bad, they had every right to change or abolish it and make a new government that would benefit their society. Jefferson echoed Locke in writing the Declaration of Independence. He wrote that all people had “unalienable rights,” such as life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Locke had written these exact words, but used property instead of happiness. This is only one of many examples of the similarities between Locke theories and the Declaration of Independence. Jefferson also agreed with Locke in that the people have the right to change the government. The Declaration of Independence states that the people should “dissolve the political bands” that bind them with another. Thomas Paine also wrote of this separation. He believed that a government either needed to be completely separated or under the rule of another. He wanted America to become a representative democracy which represented the equality that both Jefferson and Locke also believed in. Paine felt that America had every opportunity to make the best government and that they had it in their “power to begin the world over again.” All three men brought new ideas to their era that ultimately led to rebellion of government.
The Declaration and Common Sense have many of the same concepts as John Locke’s theories of government. For example, in accordance to social contract, Locke feels that you do give up rights to be governed, however you have the right at any time to overthrow the government if it is not representing what the populous believes. This in turn, results in individuals rights to revolution. Similarly, in Common Sense, Thomas Paine also agrees with this concept. He shows us that the King is this awful, wormlike man that doesn’t deserve the slightest bit of power over the people. He then urges, in a very blunt easily understood way, that the people should revolt and seek independence, which enlightenment Locke would agree with.
A way in which the ideas of The Declaration and Common Sense compared to Locke’s theories are different are the cause in which they are directed to. Locke is more generic without a certain cause to revolute against, while The Declaration and Common Sense are against the British government and in favor of the American Revolution.
I feel that Jefferson and Paine both set up their arguments in ways that they people reading it would understand. For instance, when Paine was writing Common Sense he was directing to the general population and to all those with lower education, like himself. I feel that his perspective to revolution made it easy for many more Americans to understand and comprehend. Jefferson as well set up his argument so that most people could understand it, however he took a slightly more restricted approach I feel. However, both of their styles and arguments were set up effectively to get more colonist on their side. All in all, I do not feel that these documents entire showed colonial life, although the general idea was true. I feel that these were exaggerations in order to reach the colonist and to feed the revolution for independence.
Paine and Jefferson both seem to have developed their pieces off of Locke's writings. The Declaration of Independence shares many concepts Locke originally wrote about, such as the ideas of the government being there to protect peoples' rights with the consent of the people and the people having the right to "abolish it, and institute a new government" if it goes against the will of the people. Both of these major concepts in governing were derived from Locke's ideas against the monarchy in England. He wrote about the "social contract" between the government and the governed which basically states the ideas above. Jefferson and Locke also share the idea that people are naturally free and have certain rights.
Jefferson and Paine are basically conveying the same ideas; the two just go about this is slightly different manners. While Jefferson creates a well formed, almost polite piece as to why England has failed to fairly govern the colonies, Paine is very fervent and conveys his ideas against the English government with a degree of anger.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense are both related to John Locke’s theories of government. Locke’s theories were the stepping-stones for both the Declaration and Common Sense.
In both the Declaration of Common Sense, social contract is reflected. Social contract is when an individual gives up some of their natural rights to receive the benefits of a social structure, such as security. However, the Declaration and Common Sense established limits on the social contract. They believe that one should not give up all rights to maintain a social order. Locke, Jefferson, and Paine knew that a form of government was necessary in order to maintain civilization. They were not supporters of the British monarchy and did not want that tradition to be carried on to maintain order of the colonies.
The Declaration of Independence stressed three main concepts, right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With this said, Jefferson wanted to establish a new nation called the United States of America. He wanted a new government that “reserved the right to levy war, make peace, make alliances with foreign nations, conduct trades”, and everything else a nation can do. Jefferson applied Locke’s theories of government in writing the Declaration. They both agreed that the people had the right to overthrow the government if it was abusing the people’s natural rights. Even though social contract came into play, there was a fine line established that government wasn’t allowed to cross.
Paine established a difference between society and government. He believed that society is made up of only the good of the people and how they work together to accomplish a fulfilling way of life. However, government is not apart of the society. The government is only responsible to protect the people and provide an order to maintain growth. These ideas are influenced in the importance of Locke’s theory, right of revolution. It was necessary to establish a revolution, and split from the power of Britain.
Locke’s theories, Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, and Paine’s Common Sense were intertwined in establishing the independence for this nation. It wouldn’t have been successful if one of the three never existed. They all played an important role in sculpting American History.
John Locke's social contract theory is a big influence on the Decleration of Independence, penned by Thomas Jefferson. The Decleration talks about man's inalienable rights and how we are all equal, all of those supported by Locke's theories. These are done in relatively low key manners, and they are done in low key tones as well. Thomas Paine's attack on England in Common Sense is the same kind of message as the other two, but with some malice. He claims that England is, "declaring war against the natural rights of all mankind." Thomas Paine was not welcome in England, and he let his feelings get into his writing in this case. Jefferson did not want to publish a Decleration with all kinds of harsh words in it, because severing ties with England completely would be foolish. It is unlikely to think everyone in America hated the royal government as much as Paine did, because not many people had the past that he did. More people probably felt like Jefferson, where they wanted a clean break, and not a vicious one like Paine. Unfortunately for them, they got a multi-nation war out of it, but their intentions were good.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense mirror ideas from John Locke's theories of government. All three agreed upon needing a government to protect the people's rights. The Declaration has similar ideas with Locke's theories of government, believing the government was needed however the people had the right to abolish it if need be, along with institue a new government. The Declaration states all men are "endowed" these rights,"life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These words also can be found in Locke's theories of government. The idea of Social Contract present in Locke's theory of government is present also in the Declaration of Independence. This idea was meant to establish a system for the people to be able to be protected. This meant the people would give up an amount of their "Natural Rights," in order to obtain social order. Thomas Jefferson had argued his point in the Declaration in a calm subtle way, where as Paine approached common sense differently. He took a direct stab at monarchy in hopes to seperate from Britain.
The ideas of both Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine's Common Sense are mere reflections of John Locke's theories on government and the social contract. Although both men had the same beliefs, they chose to present these beliefs in very different ways. Jefferson presented his beliefs in a much milder manner than Paine. Jefferson stated, "That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that, to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government."
On the other hand, Paine was much more radical about his thoughts. Paine single-handedly took it upon himself to directly attack the British monarchy. In his Common Sense, Paine states, "There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of monarchy; it first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in cases where the highest judgment is required. The state of a king shuts him from the world, yet the business of a king requires him to know it thoroughly; wherefore the different parts, unnaturally opposing and destroying each other, prove the whole character to be absurd and useless." I believe that Paine expressed his beliefs in this way because he knew that something needed to be done in a quick fashion. His goal was to have Britain stray away from their type of government. Both men accurately reflected the conditions of their societies, but did so in a different manner. None the less, each man's beliefs were derived from John Locke and his belief of the social contract between government and the people.
Locke, Jefferson, and Paine were three men with the similar ideas of how a society should work. Locke wrote about how men should be equal as seen in God's eyes. His idea of social contract was his idea on how a society should function. Paine and Jefferson generally have the same idea. However, there are always differences when there are people from different walks of life.
Jefferson states everything that was wrong with the idea of a monarchy. He goes into detail of every unacceptable action in which King George had committed during his reign. This is more of a personal note in Jefferson's part. A few things he mentions include: "...For cutting off our trade with all parts of the world; For imposing taxes on us without our consent;..." Jefferson's, Declaration of Independence, was a personal attack on King George and the monarchy in general.
Paine's writing, Common Sense, he states, "Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness..." which is hard to understand why he puts it that way, until he explains it more. He compares the differences between the rich and the poor and how government creates social classes which divides humans into unequal sectors. He also explains his thinking on hereditary succession. "...no one by birth could have a right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others for ever, and though himself might deserve some decent degree of honors of his contemporaries, yet his descendants might be far too unworthy to inherit them." He talks of how everyone in America, for the most part, is a descendant from England. But in fact, William the Conqueror was technically from France, therefore, France should have control over England as England does over America.
I believe all three men had accurate thoughts, written down, to describe how Americans were feeling at this point in history. All three, along the same lines have the same general ideas of government and society itself. None of them agreed with how Britain was running its government and certainly did not agree with how they were being treated by the British government.
Both infamous for their significance in American politics and the role their values still play in American society today, the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense can be paralleled with many of the ideals brought forth by the theories of John Locke regarding social contract, right of revolution, and natural rights. Different from the traditional ideals of British government, Locke’s new theories—as well as the ideas in the Declaration of Independence and Paine’s Common Sense—promoted the importance of individual rights and put forth different opinion on subjects which had previously been viewed in only one way such as religion, child-rearing, and education. Locke suggested a society in which a patriarchy was not nearly as emphasized as by the British monarchy, and in the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson expresses his very controversial opinions about the “Great King of Britain” with no remorse, creating approximately twenty “facts” of these “repeated injuries and usurpations” that he has seen enforced by the king onto his subjects. Paine’s Common Sense was very popular in society in that it is written in a format that was not difficult for people to understand and it brought forth opinions that many people came to agree with, if they didn’t already. “I draw my idea of the form of government from a principle in nature, which no art can overturn, viz., that the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to be disordered, and the easier repaired when disordered; and with this maxim in view, I offer a few remarks on the so much boasted constitution of England” (Paine’s Common Sense). It was believed by the three that the existing ways of the government needed to be changed, and this was mainly because of the problems evident with the monarchy. As Jefferson says in the Declaration of Independence, governments that have been around for so long, such as that in Britain should not be changed on account of “light and transient” causes, “but when a long train of abuses and usurpations…evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government…” The documents of Jefferson and Paine were written in the way they were so that they would appeal to the people of society, whom they were aimed at. These three documents, with both their similarities and differences, paved the way for a revolution of new ideas to be brought forth that have played great significance in America’s history.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense relate to John Lock’s theories of government. These two works had similar views about social contract, right of revolution and natural rights. Written by different people, they had very different approaches. Paine’s Common Sense was very upfront about the problems almost attacking while Thomas Jefferson was tamer. Key rights included life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This went a long way therefore it was essential for the American Colonies to separate from England. These two authors did accurately reflect on the conditions of the colonies but also did some foreshadowing. These documents change the government from a monarchy to a democracy!
Thomas Paine and Thomas Jefferson share some of the many ideas that were introduced by Locke during the Enlightenment. Thomas Paine wrote the Pamphlet Common Sense and in this he stated, “thirst for absolute power is the natural disease for monarchy”. His thinking was that those who were elected to power were more trustworthy than the one chosen by God to be the absolute authority. Common Sense also argued that America should not be ruled by an island (Great Britain) because we are not a British Nation. He thought that Britain ruled colonies for its own benefits. Thomas Jefferson was for a Democracy just as Paine was. His ideas were that the governed give consent to the government and have the right to “alter or abolish it”. In the Declaration Jefferson hits the point that all colonies have the right to be independent states; meaning that they have they have power when it comes down to deciding on war an also have no political connection with Britain. Both of these men have similar ideas with Locke in the sense that all three are against and absolute monarchy and are for people being able to choose the power or make their own government decisions. John Locke influenced these two brilliant men through his Enlightenment and these ideas are expressed in today’s society.
Seemingly stemming from Locke's ideas, the Declaration of Independence put into practice the people's right of revolution. Jefferson clearly stated all the grievances of the people, which ranged from dissolving legislative bodies that opposed England's rule to England's refusal to pass laws that were for the common good. In fact, Jefferson clearly uses the pronoun "He," which refers, of course, to the King of England. Going back to "Common Sense," Paine also clearly denotes the King as the primary flaw in England's constitution. However, Paine's essay is more philosophical by nature, whereas Jefferson's is more concise, direct and explicit. It is obviously meant to be followed by action.
As we Read the Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense, we begin to realize that they both sounds very similar. Both documents state that we, as human beings, have natural rights that no government, or war can abolish. We have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Paine said, “For all men being originally equals, no one by birth could have a right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others for ever…” . This basically means that if EVERY man is born with the SAME natural rights then NO man is born that exceeds another and no family should rule a land forever. Paine said that if everyman was to take up arms and was to fight their efforts would not go to waste; he believes that the misfortune would be great if they left the problems between England and America would not disappear, but the War was self-evident. The Declaration states that the King has become a tyrant and is unfit to rule a free people. Both documents say that there shouldn’t be one man who always has power and authority over everyone; he must be chosen by the people. I feel that Jefferson made the declaration in a very clear and almost respectful manner compared to the way Paine attacked the King. Paine’s main target audience was the people of America to show them that all of their lives were going to change and that they would be called on to defend a free country. The Declaration was addressed to the King as a legal document stating that America had the right absolve the relationship with England. Both of these documents achieved their goals according to their target audiences.
John Locke created many ideas about government and peoples’ rights. These are clearly evident in Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence and Thomas Paine’s Common Sense. Both of these contain Locke ideas of social contract, right to revolution, and natural rights. Although both of them promote these ideas, they have a few different opinions. Thomas Paine claims that government in general is a “necessary evil,” while Thomas Jefferson has an more optimistic point of view. There is a same theme in both of the writings, English monarchy is the problem and they have the right to create a new government. It is interesting that both documents start with the basic human rights and the need for a supportive government. Next they state the problems with the monarchy and how the colonies are oppressed. Lastly they describe their vision for America. The similarity in the structure underscores the fact that this was becoming a widespread idea in the colonial America.
Thomas Paine gives several examples of social contract that relate to those of the Declaration of Independence. In 'Common Sense,' written by THomas Paine, he says, "And as this frequent interchange will establish a common interest with every part of the community, they will mutually and naturally support each other, and on this (not on the unmeaning name of king) depends the strength of government, and the happiness of the governed". Paine shows the social contract that citizens of a community support each other and the governing body if the representatives are in fact, from the same community thus dealing with the same problems. Paine tends to believe that people in a community should be represented by a person within that community and of similar beliefs. The Declaration of independence on the other hand says, "Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed." This also shows that people will suffer in a government consisting of insensitive people because that government is not led by a representative of the people who cares for similar problems the people in such a community suffer from. Both Jefferson and Paine agree that there needs to be a representative who has similar ideals to those of the community in which the representative presides over.
Both Jefferson and Paine agree on the idea that if the government does not suit the needs of a population, that population has the right to revolt against said government. Jefferson says, "to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government." This exclaims that it is the natural right to revolt if something such as a governing body does not suit ones needs. Paine overall dissagree's with government and dissaproves highly of it as to say, "It[government] was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry" thus proving Paine looks down on government as though it has ruined mankind. Paine goes on to say, "The nearer any government approaches to a republic, the less business there is for a king." THis shows that a king has no place in the republic ideals carried throughout the colonies during the late 1700's and that it is almost natural (by Paine's means of reason) to disobey a king who does not accord with ideals of the colonies, which hints that it is also natural to revolt against the monarchy ( in the case of the colonies) to rid the society of such unjust means of ruling.
The Declaration and "Common Sense" both strive to show that the government currently instituted has nothing to do with the ideals of the people and its system of ruling does not comply with the colonies because the colonies overall believe that the king is a tyrant. The Declaration differs from Common Sense because it is a more formally announced document citing specific reasons why there is a need to break the political connection with England whereas Common Sense gives examples for reasons thus persuading and pushing the reader to side on the side of Paine and his arguement. Jefferson set up his arguement in this way to present it to the British and to show how serious he was (and the other collaborators) about breaking political connections with England. Paine set up his arguement to persuade the general public by using examples that people can't help but to side with because they related to common sense, thus the name of the article. THe particular way in which both Paine and Jefferson set up their arguements reflected the conditions of colonial america because they both gave specific reasons as to why there is the need of the general public of the colonies to dissagree with the king. After many people had been affected by the Tea Act and standing British armies in colonial town, it seemed almost logical that these documents such as the Declaration and Common Sense arose. Both these documents accurately reflect the situation in which inhabitants of colonial america where in.
The Declaration of Independence and Common Sense both refer to human natural rights and "right to revolution." Thomas Jefferson and Thomas Paine both point in the direction of the King of England as the issue in England's government. They believe that the English monarchy is the issue and that action needs to be taken for a new government. There is a need for a new more people-oriented government. In both arguments there is a need for the people(the public) to make a stand against the king and let their views be heard.
Jefferson and Paine had common main points when they were expressing their ideas. Paine's Common Sense was moreso naming all the affects that the king had on different aspects of the colonists life. Paine expressed his ideas with alot of facts and examples llike the ones from the bible stating that to actually have a king governing a group was a sin. Paine was the better writer of the two, so there is no surprise that Common Sense was more factual. On the other hand Jefferson used the Declaration as more of a personal attack on the King of Britain. Jefferson expressed his ideas to reach the individual moreso because all his arguments were very well personal ones. Jefferson expressesed how the king had caused damage to the colonies that could have never been taken back it was so severe, and both men realized that it was time to separate. I feel Jefferson and Paine approached the situation in different ways to address different audiences. Paines approach was on a more educated level and Jeffersons approach was more personal, but in the end resolved around the same soulution, that the king had no right to govern th colonies and that it was time to end all ties with Britain and the King.
After Europeans made colonies, until 18th Century, without the colonist's agreement, Great Britain did restrictions of trade and taxes, and standing armies, so the colonists were not the least bit happy about it. Because Great Britain didn’t give satisfaction to colonists, American thought about their right.
John Locke said about “natural right” and social contact. In the web site WIKIPEDIA,Natural rights are a theory of universal rights that are seen as inherent in the nature of people and not contingent on human actions or beliefs. One theory of natural rights was developed from the theory of natural law during the Enlightenment in opposition to the divine right of kings, and provided a moral justification for liberalism( http://en.wikipedia.org). The term social contract describes a broad class of philosophical theories whose subjects are the implied agreements by which people form nations and maintain a social order. In laymen's terms, this means that the people give up some rights to a government in order to receive social order ( http://en.wikipedia.org). Because American did not have authority of Great Britain people, American thought they wanted to get same authority with British, and proclaimed natural right. They also thought government was for them using the term “social contract”. We can find same idea in Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. The words “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” that appear in the Declaration of Independence. It was written to inform the populace of the unfairness that the King of England was showing toward the colonies. This writing went on to open people's eyes to the unfairness of the treatment of the colonists, and influenced the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence says America, “ought to be free and independent states, absolved from all allegiance to the British crown and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain is and ought to be dissolved”.
Thomas Paine’s “Common Sense” also said, “Everything that is right or natural pleads for separation”. This is same idea with John Lock and Thomas Jefferson. Common Sense stimulated the Independence of America.
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