Final answer:
O’Connell and Thomas agree on the role of government in promoting freedom and regulating society.
Step-by-step explanation:
A key idea on which O’Connell and Thomas agree is the belief in the role of government in promoting freedom and regulating various sectors of society.
In the case of O’Connell, his support for expansion in the United States aligned with the economic and political goals of the federal government. Similarly, Thomas advocated for freedom through government intervention, as seen in the subtreasury plan which called for regulation and reform in areas such as tariffs and railroads.
Both O’Connell and Thomas recognized the importance of government action in achieving their respective visions of freedom and progress.