Question

Read this excerpt from Thomas Paine's essay "Common Sense"

Mankind being originally equals in the order of creation, the equality could only be destroyed by some subsequent circumstance, the distinctions of
rich, and poor, may in a great measure be accounted for, and that without having recourse to the harsh, ill-sounding names of oppression and
avarice. Oppression is often the CONSEQUENCE, but seldom or never the MEANS of riches, and though avarice will preserve a man from being
necessitously poor, it generally makes him too timorous to be wealthy
But there is another and greater distinction, for which no truly natural or religious reason can be assigned, and that is, the distinction of men into
KINGS and SUBJECTS. Male and female are the distinctions of nature, good and bad the distinctions of heaven, but how a race of men came into
the world so exalted above the rest, and distinguished like some new species, is worth inquiring into, and whether they are the means of happiness
or of misery to mankind
What is Thomas Paine's central claim in this excerpt?
A.
There will always be a distinction between kings and their subjects.
B.
The equality that humans enjoyed during creation has been ruined because of war and famine
C. Not all people who belonged to the upper sections of society were cruel.
D.
The differences between the kings and the subjects were not religious or natural.

Answer 1

A. There will always be a distinction between kings and their subjects.

*Side note: I remember reading this and it was so disturbing but clever how Paine used his writing to convince the wealthy that there is a problem that needs fixing.*

Answer 2

D. The differences between the kings and the subjects were not religious or natural.

Step-by-step explanation:

Thomas Paine claims that humankind is equal in terms of rights since it has been " created" equal. This is a religious thought which has been altered by some factors Paine is interested in inquiring. He believes humankid has lost their equality due to the presence of Kings and subjects. He thinks this difference has to do with power; this power does not exist due to religion or biology. Paine ,however, cannot explain yet why this difference exits.