Question

Examine the usage of the words bequeath and posterity in this excerpt from Thomas Paine's Common Sense. Then complete the sentences that follow.

Excerpt: The authority of Great Britain over this continent, is a form of government, which sooner or later must have an end: And a serious mind can draw no true pleasure by looking forward, under the painful and positive conviction that what he calls "the present constitution" is merely temporary. As parents, we can have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may bequeath to posterity.

According to Paine, the government of Great Britain will bequeath (blank) to the colonists.

You can fill in blank number one with these
A. the ideals of freedom and individualism
B. the present constitution
C. nothing that will endure
D. a legacy of conflict and divisiveness

He also implies that the posterity (blank) .

You can fill in blank number two with
A. of a gentleman presents him from associating with common folk
B. of any nation has the right to blame their predecessors for their suffering
C. of any single person is enough to grant him or her any authority over another person
D. of any government can easily be damaged by false press and rumors

Answer 1

C. nothing that will endure
B. of any nation has the right to blame their predecessors for their suffering

Answer 2

Question one, the answer is C.It is explained in the excerpt when he says "....knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any thing which we may bequeath to posterity....".

The option for answering question number two is B..."And a serious mind can draw no pleasure by looking forward..."..." as parents we can have no joy.."These words comment on the idea of posterity which blames suffering in a previous form of government.