Essаy Prоmpt Bоth Thоmаs Pаine and Thomas Jefferson use persuasive writing to argue that Americans are justified in separating from British rule. Using the provided excerpts from Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence, write an essay in which you explain how the two writers develop an argument for separation from Britain. As you develop your analysis, you may consider: the reasons each writer gives for rejecting British rule; Enlightenment ideas about liberty, natural rights, and government reflected in their arguments; the ways each writer attempts to persuade his audience; and important similarities and differences between their approaches. You do not need to address every item in this list. Use the ideas that are most relevant to the argument you develop. Source Readings for Timed/Proctored Essay #2 The following excerpts from Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Thomas Jefferson's Declaration of Independence are provided for use in your essay. You may quote directly from these selections. Source 1: Thomas Paine, Common Sense (1776) Society and Government Society in every state is a blessing, but Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one. Hereditary Monarchy One of the strongest natural proofs of the folly of hereditary right in Kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise she would not so frequently turn it into ridicule by giving mankind an Ass for a Lion. Britain's Motives We have boasted the protection of Great Britain, without considering, that her motive was interest not attachment; and that she did not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own account. The Argument for Separation But Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon their families; wherefore the assertion, if true, turns to her reproach; but it happens not to be true, or only partly so, and the phrase parent or mother country hath been jesuitically adopted by the king and his parasites, with a low papistical design of gaining an unfair bias on the credulous weakness of our minds. Reconciliation Is No Longer Possible To say, they will never attempt it again is idle and visionary, we thought so at the repeal of the stamp-act, yet a year or two undeceived us; as well may we suppose that nations, which have been once defeated, will never renew the quarrel. “'Tis Time to Part” Every thing that is right or reasonable pleads for separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'TIS TIME TO PART. Source 2: Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence (1776) Equality and Natural Rights We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. The Purpose of Government That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. The Right to Change Government That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Revolution Should Not Be Undertaken Lightly Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. A Pattern of Abuses But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Grievances Against the King He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury: The Decision for Independence We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved. Works Cited Jefferson, Thomas. The Declaration of Independence. 1776. Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. 1776.