Question

Think about the text "Thoughts on the Present State of American Affairs," from Common Sense, by Thomas Paine. Which two counterclaims does Thomas Paine acknowledge and address in his argument?

A. "Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggles between England and America."

B. "It has lately been asserted in parliament, that the colonies have no relation to each other."

C. "But the injuries and disadvantages we sustain by that connection, are without number."

D. "Every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual. Our prayers have been rejected."

E. "The power of governing still remaining in the hands of the king, he will have a negative [effect]."
F. "It is but right that we should examine the contrary side of the argument."

Answer 1

Thomas Paine in 'Common Sense' tackles the counterclaims that colonies have no relation to each other and that they still need the British monarchy, advocating instead for self-sufficiency and a republican government.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Common Sense, Thomas Paine acknowledges and addresses two counterclaims in his argument regarding the American Revolution. The first is that the American colonies have no relation to each other, essentially disputing the consensus for collective independence.

The second counterclaim Paine addresses is the idea that the colonies still needed the guidance of the British monarchy, which he counters by asserting the colonies’ ability to be self-sufficient and criticizing the monarchy’s failure to protect the colonists’ interests. Paine's pamphlet became widely read and had a significant impact, helping to persuade many colonists to support independence from Great Britain and adopt a republican form of government.