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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 happens if people refuse to obey a law they oppose?

2. What label does Paine give to revelations that have not been witnessed?

3. How does Paine define a civilized society?

4. According to Paine, what should each man strive for?

5. Which years of the American Revolution did America have no government?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference between democracy and representation?

2. Why does Paine believe that mystery and Miracles are incompatible with religion?

3. How does Paine consider cultivation and dispossession?

4. What issue does Paine address concerning the Old and New Testaments?

5. What is Paine's theory on how people who have been cheated of their land inheritance should be compensated?

6. What is Paine's belief about land distribution at birth and why does he think it is impractical?

7. Does Paine think that a natural state and civilized state are exchangeable?

8. What is the concept of land ownership and rent owned, and how does it compare to the approach to land that people had in ancient times?

9. How does Paine define a revelation?

10. What is Paine's definition of a civilized society?

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

Describe in detail why it was necessary for America to separate from England and declare its independence. Also, list and explain each of the reasons why England was not capable of governing America along with the benefits that the United States will have as a result of establishing their own country.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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This section contains 956 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample