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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 will happen to a person who denies another the right to practice a different religion?

2. What does Paine believe is possible with some of the cultures that are considered uncivilized?

3. What ancient philosopher does Paine mention in Age of Reason?

4. What sacrifice was made in the formation of some churches, according to Paine?

5. What does the term canonization refer to?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the difference between democracy and representation?

2. What are the two reasons why Paine waited before writing and releasing the Rights of Man, Part II?

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

4. How does Paine feel about the bad laws that exist and whether to follow them?

5. 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?

6. What example of an uncivilized society does Paine use in Agrarian Justice?

7. How does Paine define a revelation?

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

9. What are Paine's thoughts on the Immaculate Conception and the Resurrection?

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

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

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

Age of Reason features Paine's views of religion as he questions certain aspects of the different churches and practices.

1) Describe Paine's personal opinions about religion, churches, and which one he ascribes to.

2) Analyze Paine's description of revelation and the way it is referred to by different religions.

3) Explain some of the different examples of how Paine questions some of the tales in Christianity, and his general views on how Christians live their lives.

4) Describe why Paine has doubts about the authenticity of the Old and New Testaments, what he believes is the most important proof of God's existence, and what guide people should refer to when seeking God's advice or wishes.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,058 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample