Common Sense (Annotated): The Origin and Design of Government

by Thomas Paine

The cause of America is, in a great measure, the cause of all mankind.

Society is produced by our wants, and government by our wickedness; the

First. The remains of monarchical tyranny in the person of the king. Secondly. The remains of aristocratical tyranny in the persons of the peers. Thirdly. The new republican materials, in the persons of the commons, on whose virtue depends the freedom of England.

The prejudice of Englishmen, in favor of their own government by king, lords, and commons, arises as much or more from national pride than reason.

Wherefore, laying aside all national pride and prejudice in favor of modes and forms,

In the early ages of the world, according to the scripture chronology, there were no kings; the consequence of which was there were no wars; it is the pride of kings which throw mankind into confusion.

Most wise men, in their private sentiments, have ever treated hereditary right with contempt; yet it is one of those evils, which when once established is not easily removed; many submit from fear, others from superstition, and the more powerful part shares with the king the plunder of the rest.

Men who look upon themselves born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act in differs so materially from the world at large that they have but little opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the dominions.

But in countries where he is neither a judge nor a general, as in England, a man would be puzzled to know what is his business.

Not one third of the inhabitants, even of this province, are of English descent.

Her trade will always be a protection, and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her from invaders.

For, as Milton wisely expresses, “Never can true reconcilement grow where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep.”

Wherefore since nothing but blows will do, for God’s sake, let us come to a final separation and not leave the next generation to be cutting throats under the violated unmeaning names of parent and child.

but there is something very absurd in supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island. In no instance hath nature made the satellite

But the most powerful of all arguments is that nothing but independence, i.e., a continental form of government, can keep the peace of the continent and preserve it inviolate from civil wars. I dread the event of a reconciliation with Britain now, as it is more than probable that it will be followed by a revolt somewhere or other, the consequences of which may be far more fatal than all the malice of Britain.

He was correct about the cost of a Civil War.

Let the assemblies be annual, with a President only. The representation more equal. Their business wholly domestic, and subject to the authority of a Continental Congress.

Let each colony be divided into six, eight, or ten convenient districts, each district to send a proper number of delegates to Congress, so that each colony send at least thirty. The whole number in Congress will be at least three hundred ninety.

let a crown be placed thereon, by which the world may know, that so far as we approve of monarchy, that in America the law is king.

but the truth is, we should be less so, because the timber of the country is every day diminishing, and that which will remain at last will be far off and difficult to procure.

No country on the globe is so happily situated, so internally capable of raising a fleet as America. Tar, timber, iron, and cordage are her natural produce.

Foreshadowing the arsenal of democracy

Saltpetre and gunpowder we are every day producing.

But not nearly enough.

The more men have to lose, the less willing are they to venture.

representatives be not only small, but unequal, the danger is increased.

when the Associators petition was before the House of Assembly of Pennsylvania; twenty-eight members only were present, all the Bucks County members, being eight, voted against it, and had seven of the Chester members done the same, this whole province had been governed by two counties only, and this danger it is always exposed to.

appear strange and difficult; but, like all other steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar and agreeable; and, until an independence is declared, the continent will feel itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.