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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. Which one of the following is not included in the natural rights Paine believes should be retained by people after they are born?

2. What is the Rights of Man considered?

3. What is the famous quote by Paine that starts the section, The Crisis?

4. What does society promote?

5. Which religious group of people does Paine think are persecuted?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Paine recall the events surrounding George Washington's crossing of the Delaware?

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

3. Why does Paine consider the English monarchy to be ineffective?

4. Why does Paine write Common Sense anonymously and how does he think his work will be remembered?

5. What are the reasons Paine has in writing the Rights of Man and to whom is it presented?

6. How does Paine describes Benjamin Franklin's historical role in the French Constitution?

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

8. When does Paine wish the Revolution had begun and why?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the rivalry between Paine and Burke as it is chronicled in the Rights of Man. Include how the two were once allies, what caused them to be on opposite sides, and the differences between both of their motives. Also, describe Paine's intentions with the Rights of Man and the advantages he has over Burke in his writings.

Essay Topic 2

Analyze Paine's letter to General Howe by including answers to the following:

1) Why does Paine write to Howe and what is the purpose of his letter?

2) What are some examples of Howe's mistakes and lack of skills in the war, and why did Paine consider him to be incapable of gaining a victory except by accident?

3) How does America defeat Howe and cause him to surrender?

4) In what way does Howe's approach to the war depict the difference in the mentality of each country involved?

5) What were America's reasons for fighting in the American Revolution and why was England unable to understand them?

Essay Topic 3

Paine writes about Agrarian Justice and the distribution of land in America.

1) Describe Paine's initial theory of how land should be given to people and why he believes it is impractical.

2) Explain how Paine considers land cultivation versus dispossession.

3) Analyze Paine's concluding plan for compensating people who he thinks have been cheated of their rightful inheritance.

(see the answer keys)

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