Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ is a unique treatise in the history of the United States. Published in the year 1776, ‘Common Sense’ gives an account of the colonial situation of America under the British rule. In the book, Paine discusses about the reasons for American independence from the British, and differentiates the American society from the government. He describes the society as a constructive that consists of people. He states the very purpose of the government as protecting its citizens from all frailties . The assessment of the government depends on its accomplishment of goals. Paine expects the American colonies to implement a system of governance that allows the people to make the laws that rule them as the governance of the British is complex due to its monarchy. He mentions about various elements of British monarchy and hereditary succession in his book ‘Common Sense’.
Man is born equal, however, the differences between the king and man in the society makes him unequal. The British monarchy is a sin and an act of disapprobation in the eyes of Bible as well as God. According to Paine, hereditary succession is a terrible practice as the son of the king does not have the authority to become the leader for the future . The consequences of hereditary succession are incompetent kings, corruption and civil war. Paine argues that America does not require the allegiance of Britain as Britain had been attacking the American colonies. Britain does not deserve the loyalty of America as it has nothing to gain from the colonies anymore. American independence is important, without which there is a possibility of several issues in the country.
In ‘Common Sense’, Paine suggests government for America that implements democracy and treats each colony in an equal way. He states that it is apt to separate away from Britain and makes a mention of the possibilities of the American colonies to establish the navy, which is similar to Britain’s navy . America has the opportunity to utilize the land on the west and pay the debts. Paine asks for respect towards America worldwide as the world countries are of the view that the American colonies are mere rebels. Independence would raise the standard of America and make the country prosperous on an international note. Once the American colonies are independent, they can acquire help from the fellow countries to develop the nation.
‘Common Sense’ played a major role in influencing the Founding fathers of the constitution to understand the concept of a representative republic. The book, published prior to fourteen years before the formulation of the Constitution describes the model of the constitution with the head of the country as the President . Paine suggests that one member from the colony represents the legislature with a total of 25 members from each colony. He also mentions that a member from one colony cannot rule over another district or colony. The members have no right to suppress the people in independent America. Paine demands for the circulation of the manifesto to the world countries in order to help the countries understand the need for America’s split up from the British rule .
Paine wanted to let the old world countries be aware of the suffrage of America. He decided to gain political support from the foreign countries and ensure that they do not misunderstand the country as rebellious against Britain. Paine explains the role of monarchy in creating violence, warfare, deprivation and suppression in the American colonies . After reading the book, the readers will be able to draw similarities and differences between the governments of Britain and America during the colonial period. Both the governments demonstrate tyranny and unaccountability to the citizens. In regards to hereditary succession, Paine quotes various examples, which help to recognize the state of the political class. Though the political class commands its people based on the laws, it doesn’t apply those laws for itself .
Paine associates the ideas of the founding fathers towards religion. The founding fathers gave importance to the diversity of interpretation to decision making. Paine says “there should be a diversity of religious opinions among us; it affords a larger field for our Christian kindness” , it is vital to know the limitations of diversity and act accordingly. While a little diversity does not affect the group as a whole, excess diversity fails to blend into a consistent identity. The book is easy to understand as there is no ornate prose and written in the language understandable by the people. The biblical evidence occasionally quoted by Paine provides an additional push to Paine’s arguments in regards to the regarding the independence of America, which are independence from Britain and the emergence of a democracy and republic for America .
Though Thomas Jefferson objected the ideas of Paine on the issue of the governance of America after gaining independence, the book ‘Common Sense’ is a cause of nationalism. Though Paine was new to America, the book doesn’t create such doubt in the minds of the readers. Through his book, Paine desired to know answers for various questions. He desired to know how a small country, such as England can control an entire continent . He wanted to know the acceptance of the foreign countries to support America in spite of their cordial relations with the king of Britain. To conclude, ‘Common Sense’ is a unique book, which was a prediction by Paine about the emergence of independent America free from the British colonial rule . It is an insight for the readers to understand the need for independence, imperfections of hereditary succession and monarchy and the suffrage caused by the British.
References
Belchem, J. (2011, 02 17). Thomas Paine: Citizen of the World. Retrieved 11 18, 2014, from BBC: http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/empire_seapower/paine_01.shtml
Paine, T. (2004). Common Sense. Mundus Publishing.
