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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. How does Paine describe life in an uncivilized culture?

2. What does Paine think civilized states need to develop remedies for?

3. Which Indians does Paine use as an example in Agrarian Justice?

4. Which one of Burke's books contained several pages quoted from the Rights of Man?

5. What does Paine believe about revelation?

Short Essay Questions

1. How are all people born in a natural state, and what does Paine think the responsibility of a civilized state is?

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

3. What is the difference between democracy and representation?

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

5. What opinion does Paine have of people who believe and follow Christianity?

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

7. What about the American Revolution causes the world to take notice?

8. How does Paine define a revelation?

9. Why does Paine have a favorable opinion of the Marquis de La Fayette and what is the one area where the two differ?

10. What does Paine believe is the general focus of any effective constitution?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

At the end of the Rights of Man, Paine explains the differences between the three origins of government and provides a comparison of the English Constitution and the French Constitution.

1) Define the government of priesthood, the government of conquerors, and the government of reason, including the differences in how they work.

2) Compare and contrast the English Constitution with the French Constitution, and describe how Paine refers to both in his theory of how a government should be formed.

3) Explain the influence that America had on the French Constitution and why Paine considers it to be better than the English Constitution.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Analyze the differences between society and government as Paine refers to them in the Introduction. Use the examples that Paine provides and your analysis to explain the roles of each of them in a successful country, why and when a society needs a government, and what the priority of the elected officials in that government should be.

(see the answer keys)

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