Document Interpretation 3 Taxes and Constitutions

Common Sense by Thomas Paine

1.

Society and government are two distinct concepts because society is created to unite
people together whereas government is formed to prevent peoples evil deeds. This stands out to
me because people usually confuses between two concepts that are totally different from one
another. Society goes by morality while government goes by restrictions and laws.
2.
With or without government, people still suffer from miseries. It stands out to me
because it does make sense somehow by saying this. Anarchy would not last long and usually
end with chaos while monarchy is restrictive and the ultimate power lies in the hand of the
leaders.
3.
Heathens were the first to introduce government by kings into the world. I know the
existence of government by kings, but never really question its origin.
4.
Sir William Meredith regards the government of England as a republic, but in fact, it is
rather a monarchy because there still exists the influence of the king. There are still kings and
queens in Britain now, the government, however, is led by the Prime Minister.
5.
An English king does literally nothing besides bringing impoverishment and civil war to
the country. It seems like this statement criticizes monarchy in generally as well because
countries which power is in the hands of government only never appears to develop like North
Korea or Cuba.
6.
According to Paine, the belief that America would have been as well-developed as it was
under its relation with Great Britain was terribly mistaken. It stands out to me because imagine if
America were still under England's control, it would not be as developed as seen today. To think
of that, it is such a great decision that America chose to leave instead of staying.
7.
The type of government where kingdoms exist is too deep-rooted within Europe, causing
conflicts among nations. It stands out to me because I thought they would get along well since
they share the same ideologies on how to rule their countries. What would go wrong among
them?
8.
Because of its relationship with England, Americas trade would not turn out well if there
were conflicts between England and other European countries. It is really normal for this to
happen because if you hate someone, you would end up disliking everything that person says and
everyone that person hangs out with.
9.
Paine argues that it is unreasonable for an island to govern a continent. It stands out to
me because he really does speak out the truth, it appears really illogical to some small island like
England to control a big continent like America.
10.
Paine is convinced that U.S. separation and independence from England is just a matter
of the nations interest. It stands out to me because Americans are not forced to separate
themselves from England, instead they voluntarily break their troublesome relation with Great
Britain.
Common Sense by Thomas Paine is a rhetorical doctrine intended to convince
American colonies to separate themselves from Great Britain. As in the origin and design of
government in general, he proposes that society and government are two different concepts.
Society promotes happiness among people while government seems to be a method used to
prevent the evil in man. In addition, Paine states that government is a necessary evil as anarchy
would just make the country turn into chaos and monarchy, which is Americas current situation

under Englands dictatorship, would impact significantly on Americas trade with other nations
in Europe. It is also illogical for a small island like England to govern a giant continent like
America. Therefore, America needs to be independent and set it apart from Great Britain. Lastly,
people in American colonies would together segregate themselves from the English monarchical
system and establish a government of their own.
The Constitution of the United States - A Transcription
1.

The United States Congress is divided into two houses, consisting of Senate and House
of Representatives.
2.
In order to be a Representative, one is required to be at least twenty-five years of age,
have been a U.S. citizen for at least seven years, and a resident of the state one represents. In
order to be a Senator, one is required to be at least thirty years of age, have been a U.S. citizens
for at least nine years, and a resident of the state one represents.
3.
While the number of Representatives varies, the number of Senators from each state
shall remain two.
4.
The U.S. Vice President is also President of the Senate.
5.
In order for a bill to become a law, it must pass both the House of Representatives and
the Senate, then approved by the President. A bill can be vetoed if the President objects and
refuses to sign, but the vetoed bill can become a law if two-thirds of each House agree to pass it
after reconsideration.
6.
The executive power lies in the hands of the U.S. President, who would hold his office
during the four-year term. In order to be a President, one is required to be a natural-born citizen,
at least thirty-five years of age, and a U.S. resident for at least fourteen years.
7.
All cases, except for impeachment, shall be tried by the jury.
8.
The judges are able to hold their offices during good behaviour, which means for a
lifetime unless they are impeached or removed from their offices.
9.
The U.S. Constitution is the supreme Law of the Land.
10.
With nine states ratification, the Constitution was established.