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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What types of goals should the members of the elected have?

2. In an ideal world, who would make decisions regarding regulations?

3. When was the law invented that took the freedom away from the English subjects?

4. What tactic will the king use to gain favor in the long run if he cannot rule through force in the short run?

5. How does Paine refer to himself, with regards to Howe?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the view of Gideon that Paine uses as an example?

2. What does Paine think that America will gain by separating from England?

3. What disappoints Paine about the limited examples of solid government that are available?

4. How does Paine think America's Continental Congress should be designed?

5. Why is there a need for regulations and government in general?

6. What are some of the other criticisms that Paine has about Howe?

7. What is the difference between society and government?

8. What are the reasons Paine gives in support of America's Declaration of Independence?

9. How does Paine consider the state of America and his literary career after the revolution?

10. What are the problems with using faith and religion for political purposes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe Thomas Paine's life and background, including where he is originally from and what his reputation was before, during, and after writing Common Sense. Also, discuss Paine's motives in writing his pamphlets and the reasons that he chose to remain anonymous at the time. Finally, use the information in Paine's work to explain why he believed strongly in the American Revolution and how his experiences qualified him to chronicle the events as America declared Independence.

Essay Topic 2

Describe the deception that England uses with its people during the French Revolution. Why did the English government publicly support the war and how did their actions indicate their lack of support? What are the ways England increases the revenue to the government by using wars or conflicts with other countries? What happens when it appears that England and France might reconcile, and how does England make sure it has another country to dispute? Why do the actions of the English government confirm Paine's negative description of it throughout his works?

Essay Topic 3

Paine and Burke disagreed on several important events regarding the French Revolution.

1) Compare the views of Paine and Burke on the following issues: Dr. Price's speech at the celebration of the English Revolution, the French's actions against Louis XVI, Versailles, and the Bastille.

2) Explain the different techniques used in conveying the arguments by Paine and Burke, including which one was more effective and why.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,005 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample