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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. Which alliance did Paine suggest should take place in Ways and Means of Improving the Conditions of Europe?

2. What style was Part One of Rights of Man written in by Paine?

3. How did Paine describe republicanism in Of the Old and New Systems of Government?

4. Which one of the following was not included in Paine's description of how America was prospering in Of Society and Civilization?

5. What type of fighting did Paine think corporate charters produced where they existed?

Short Essay Questions

1. How did Paine respond to objections about Rights of Man?

2. How did Paine define the old governments and the new governments in Chapter 3?

3. What was Paine's plan for paying off the national debt in Ways and Means of Improving the Conditions of Europe?

4. What was the purpose of Congress' original meetings in 1774 and 1775, and what effect did the Declaration of Independence have on America?

5. Which countries did Paine think should have a constitution and what would make it work for them?

6. How was the Constitution passed and what concerns did people have about it at the time?

7. What was Paine's opinion of corporate charters?

8. Based on the information provided in Of Constitutions, how did the American Constitution avoid the same mistakes made by the monarchical governments?

9. Why did Paine think that America was the only country that could have tried the new form of government he supported?

10. How did Paine describe Republicanism as a response to Burke at the end of Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss three major differences that Paine and Burke had in their opinions of a hereditary monarchy. Also, include an explanation of what a hereditary monarchy was, the negative effects it had on society, and whether or not you agree with Paine about its absurdity.

Essay Topic 2

Describe in detail the origin of the natural rights that Paine wrote about. Include an explanation of what the rights were, where they came from, the differences between natural and civil rights and how those rights should be represented in government and society.

Essay Topic 3

Of Constitutions chronicled America's path to Independence and the forming of the Constitution.

1) Describe at least three key events that led to the Declaration of Independence and the Articles of Confederation.

2) Explain Paine's objection to the Articles of Confederation and if they seem valid in your opinion.

3) Analyze the ratification of the Constitution and how the concerns the people had back then about the document could be applied to current times.

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