View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How did the conquerors treat defeated enemies in the earliest known governments?

2. What makes Paine's goal of every person receiving property impossible?

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

4. From where does Paine think Christianity adapted a lot of its philosophies?

5. How does Paine define a civilized society?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is Paine's writing style throughout Common Sense and his other collected works, and how will Paine be remembered?

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

4. How does Paine define a revelation?

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

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

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

8. What is the proof of God's existence that Paine also believes is a guide for people to live their lives?

9. What is Paine's theories on churches and which one does he ascribe to?

10. What are Paine's religious views when writing Age of Reason?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Explain the major differences between a natural state and a civilized state, including the benefits of each, and how Paine thinks they should both be incorporated into a government. Provide a detailed analysis of the goals a civilized society has and examples of why the equality of birth is essential to a society's growth.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 968 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample