In The Common Sense, Thomas Paine argues in favor of the independence of the United States. His argument begins with more general and theoretical reflections about government and religion, and then, proceeds to the specifics of the colonial situation.

Paine begins by distinguishing the government of society. Society, according to Paine, is everything constructive and good that people as a whole fulfill. The government, however, is an institution whose sole purpose is to protect us from our vices. The government has its origins in the evil of man and so, in the best of cases, a necessary evil. Paine says that the only purpose of a government is to protect the life, liberty, and property of people, and that a government should be judged only according to the extent to which it fulfills this goal.

Paine then considers a fictitious scenario where a small group of people have been located on an island and have been removed from the rest of society. Over time, these people develop links with the others and legislation. The creation of laws becomes inevitable. Paine says that people will be much happier if they are responsible for the creation of the laws that regulate them. Paine is also implicitly arguing that such a representation system is also best for the colonies. Having expressed his disagreement with the British kingdom in America, Paine continues to launch a general attack on the English system of government. Paine says that the British system is too complex, that it is full of contradictions and that it gives too much power to the monarchy. The British system aims to offer a reasonable system of checks and balances, but it does not.

From here, Paine undertakes the discussion, in general, about the notions of monarchy and hereditary succession. Man, says Paine, was born in a state of equality, and the distinction that had been raised between the king and subject is unnatural. At first, Paine reasons, there were no kings in the world, but the ancient Jews decided they wanted a king. This angered God, but he allowed them to have one. Paine presents pages of biblical evidence detailing God's wrath at the Jews' idea of ‹‹having a king. The conclusion reached by Paine is that the practice of monarchy originates in sin, and that it is an institution that both the Bible and God condemn. Paine calls the hereditary succession "an abominable practice."He says that even if people had to vote for a king, that does not legitimize the king's sons acting as future leaders. Additionally, the hereditary succession has brought with it innumerable evils, such as incompetent kings, corruption and civil war.

Having covered the preliminary theoretical issues, Paine begins to discuss the details of the American situation. In response to the argument that America has prospered under British rule and must stay in the king's domain. Paine responds that such an argument fails to realize that the colonies have evolved and no longer need the help of Britain. Some say that Britain has protected America and so deserves an alliance, but Paine replies that Britain has only cared for America with the intention of
ensuring its own economic well-being. Paine adds that recently; instead, of taking care of the colonies, Britain has attacked them, and that it does not deserve the loyalty of the Americans.

Paine comments that the colonies have little to gain from maintaining their link with Britain. Trade can be better driven, but only after America becomes independent. Paine also states that if the colonies remain united to Great Britain, the same problems that have arisen in the past will re-emerge in the future. Paine argues that it is necessary to seek independence now, since doing the opposite would only momentarily cover the problems that will surely reemerge.

Pain even proposes the form of government that independent colonies must adopt. His recommendation is for a representative democracy that gives approximately equal weight to each of the colonies.

Paine explains why the current weather is a good time to separate from Britain. First, Paine focuses on the present size of the colonies, and on their current capabilities. It presents an inventory of the British navy and provides insights into how America could build a marina of comparable size. Paine recommends this as a way to make sure the defense of America and its prosperity in commerce. Paine also argues that America is small enough to hold together for now. If they let time pass, and thepopulation of the colonies grows, the same sense of union could not subsist. Paine adds that if the Americans rebel now, they can use the vast amounts of land to the west as a way to pay part of the debt they will be subject to.

Paine says that as a British colony, America lacks respect on the international scene. They are seen simply as rebels and cannot form substantial alliances with other nations. In order to prosper in the long term, colonies need to be independent. Paine says that by declaring independence, the United States can ask other countries for help in their struggle for freedom. For all these reasons, Paine says it is imperative and urgent that the colonies declare independence.

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Because of our unfair corrupt monarchy Thomas Paine beliefs in America declaring their own independence was key to flourish. For once America could do as they pleased without following restrictions. Thomas Paine was known as a political theorist who wrote what was known as 'Common Sense" a famous powerful document created by the study of his state's: authority, government, and justice. This document became a major part of our American History because it in fact persuade Colonist to take up arms. Thomas Paine's role of Common Sense in promoting the movement for independence was referred as a wake-up call essentially to let others be aware that war was happening, everyone must pick a side. Breaking away would be the first process for a beneficial movement in History and a higher chance of survival for all 13 Colonies.

Paine was always known to be a hard working individual. He was born in England and started working in his teens. He eventually joined a crew and served one year during what is known as The Seven Years War. Thomas Paine ended up being one of the most important people in History. Along his journey Paine did write other important documents but none quite like Common Sense whom was published in 1776 and sold a large amount of copies we are talking over 500,000 copies.

The result of Common Sense was tremendously successful. It was written in the beginning of the American Revolution and he believed America should declare their independence from great British. This helped American colonist decided if what they wanted was to fight for their independence. Although the process of convincing Colonist did take some time. American colonist weren't sure if declaring independence was truly what they wanted for themselves. Due to there being conflict before during the battle of Lexington and Concord they didn't want to create something that major. Eventually Common Sense had the authority to convince the undecided American colonist, that having independence was beneficial to all. Whom all lead them to the successful way for Declaration of Independence.

Thomas argued a various amount of arguments one being that America was not a British nation but was being demanded by influences and people from England. Britain which was known as the mother country should have been taking care of her countries rather than harming them in such an aggressive matter. The last thing America wanted was to be included in unnecessary wars and being a part of Britain would only lead to unnecessary conflict. Britain continued to rule the 13 Colonies for their own benefits not thinking of anyone but themselves. This persuaded Thomas To publish Common Sense because he believed everyone should be treated equal.

Common Sense was titled 'Common Sense" due to its ideal message in persuading and letting the undecided known that it was common sense to make a choice in other words pick a side. Which was actual one of the major issues Colonist weren't sure if picking a side would be the best decision. Should the colonist seek independence? This created a persuasive conflict in whom led to revolt ion and freedom from British. This helped the reasoning of common sense be clear to the Colonist. Public discussion was indeed needed. Paine even included bible verses to influence the common people.

This powerful document ended up to be a very important document due to Paine not hiding the message he was trying to send out in fact he was straight forward with his opinions and stated his arguments clearly, and people were amazed by the fact of it being written in such a simple language. He wanted two things from his powerful document Common Sense.

1. Thomas wanted to influence the colonist that independence from England was a necessity.
2. To let others know the creation and importance of improved democratic republic.

He wanted immediate independence he believed in equal treatment and his ideal message was of convince everyone for a change in government. In no time Common Sense sold copies through all colonies with amazing speed. His document made such a big impact because it influenced literal common sense into the undecided people.

As in result of this his document Common Sense really did impact many including the Colonist, and Founding Fathers. One of the biggest impacts it had was influencing many to be part of Patriots, to agree on separation, and a new government. To be proud and own to freedom and independence. The Colonist took many good outcomes from this from not paying taxes to British and to learning independence.

 There is no doubt that Thomas Paine's role in writing Common Sense in promoting the movement for Independence was to influence the undecided that independence and a new improved government was a necessity and why breaking away from rule of British turned out to be beneficial for all 13 colonies.

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Thomas Paine's pamphlet, Common Sense, was released in early 1774 America. This was a time when there was tremendous tension between America and Great Britain. Because of this tension, many Americans were arguing that America needed to separate from their parent country. While this idea was being considered by many, it was not widespread enough to become a possibility. In his pamphlet, Paine sought to make this idea turn into reality. His main argument was that the solution to the tension between America and Great Britain was independence and that this could not be achieved by peace. He supported this theory very well, using his credibility, logic, and emotion. Paine's credibility comes largely from his immigration status. He is not motivated by pride or ego. Along with relying on his credibility as an author, he makes a very strong logical side. He cites many things that play to the logical side of his argument, such as the King's unfair taxation. Finally, Paine understands that emotion is one of the most important pieces of an argument. One of the ways he shows emotion is by playing to the people's sensitivity to the parent-child relationship. He paints England as an abusive parent who does not want their child to succeed. When you combine all of these factors, it is easy to see why this pamphlet was such a widespread success. This pamphlet was so popular it is often considered to be the beginning of the revolutionary movement.

One of the main ideas that Paine was arguing against in Common Sense was that reconciliation between America and England was still possible. While he recognizes that this was once a legitimate argument, he claims that reconciliation 'like an agreeable dream, hath passed us and left us as we were"(p. 684). He backs this statement up with logic in several different instances. Firstly, he claims that 'Men of all ranks have embarked in the controversy, from different motives, and with various designs; but all have been ineffectual, and the period of debate is closed." In more modern terms, Paine is showing the American people that if reconciliation were possible, it would already have been achieved. As Paine's main claim is twofold, this is not the only claim he backs with evidence. He also has to convince people that even though reconciliation is not possible hope is not lost and there is another option: independence. As this was a fairly radical idea at the time, he has to heavily support this claim with evidence. One of the main claims loyalists make is that America would not be able to defend itself without Great Britain. Paine counters this by pointing out that America's only enemies are Britain's enemies and that if they achieved independence they would 'be at peace with France and Spain". This consistent use of logic causes Paine's argument to be very effectual.

Throughout his pamphlet, Paine steadily establishes his ethos or credibility as an author. One of the most common damages to your credibility can be pride. As this subject was so sensitive at the time, it was easy for an argument to be devalued and called a product of a man's ego. When taking into account Paine's immigrant status, it is clear that Paine is not making this argument based on his pride in his country. Being born and raised in England also shows that Paine saw both sides to the argument and still believed that America needed to seek independence. Paine is trusted by his readers, drawing them into his cause.

Great Britain was often regarded as America's parent country and this parent-child dynamic greatly complicated the revolutionary movement. Many American's felt that if they rejected Great Britain, they would be rejecting their caring parent who had provided for them and grown them. Paine saw this emotion and used it to his advantage. Instead of showing Great Britain as a caring parent, he painted them to be an abusive parent who did not want their child to see. He claimed that Britain had not shown any of the parental tendencies Americans credited them with and instead showed the exact opposite. He accused Britain of devouring their young, saying 'even brutes don't devour their young, nor savages make war on their families"(p. 685). Strong language such as this generally elicits a strong response. Paine knew how his words would affect his readers and used this to his advantage.

Altogether, Paine made a very effectual argument that is often credited with starting a revolution. In order for an argument to be so powerful, an author has to be very skilled. It is clear that Paine possessed the literary skill and prowess that was needed. He made a very logical argument, several times citing real-life events that were very current and impactful. Also, he did not fall into the trap of making an argument based on pride, which allowed his audience to trust him. Finally, he recognized his opposition's emotions and capitalized on them. His effectual use of pathos, ethos and logos is responsible for creating one of the most popular rallying cries for revolution. His argument was so effectual, his audience was willing to go to war for the cause Paine was promoting. Common Sense will continue to be one of the most important pamphlets of all time.

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