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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. In his letter to Howe, what comparison does Paine make about arguing with a man who has no use for authority?

2. What is the Rights of Man considered?

3. Why does Paine think the British are incapable of ruling America justly?

4. What did Gideon deny?

5. Whom was the Rights of Man presented to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the civil rights that Paine believes should be applied to government?

2. What would happen to the land in America if the country reconciles with England?

3. How did the American army defeat General Howe?

4. Why does Paine think that America will succeed on its own?

5. What mistake do the British make in attacking a particular city during the American Revolution?

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

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

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

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

10. What does Paine think the effects of Burke's pamphlets will be and what are Burke's reasons for publishing them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

George Washington is considered by many to be the best example of what a leader should be and Paine refers to Washington's life on a number of occasions in his work.

1) Describe the significance of Washington's career in the military and how his desire to remain out of politics made him America's most qualified choice for the first President of the United States.

2) Explain why Washington received no monetary compensation for his service as president, and how his situation reflects the theory that Paine has about historical people and their financial rewards.

3) Analyze why Washington is still regarded so highly, the values that he represents, and why they are needed in any government.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the letter to the Inhabitants of America that Paine writes about in the beginning years of the revolution. Include a description of his thoughts on the previous governments of Ancient Rome and Greece, as well as the similarities and differences between them and the new government that America is forming.

Essay Topic 3

Describe what America is like after the revolution, the new government, why Paine believes it will succeed where others have failed, and the impact it has on the other countries of the world. Use examples from the end of The Crisis to support your analysis and explain why Paine is grateful to the revolution for his literary career.

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