Tom Paine's Common Sense

Paine advocates that America is indepedent and "will never be happy until she gets rid of her foreign dominion" (from Crisis Number 1). Using "Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs," explain the ways that America is independent and self-sufficient; then explain why America needs to be independent.

Tom Paine's Common Sense Response 1

In Tom Paine's "Common Sense" he defends the revolution or American claiming "The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth" (161). He then goes on to say that "For in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries law ought to be King" (166). In considering his attitudes and the enlightenment philosophy we have read, discuss the significance of such statements and why they would be so radical.

John Locke and the Age of Reason

From your readings and discussion about Locke and the Age of Reason, explain what you think is the thesis of Locke's writing and how his thesis applies to American ideals. You may choose to write on modern American ideals or others we have studied.