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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Paine, what does Burke lack?
(a) An understanding of government.
(b) An understanding of liberty.
(c) An understanding of economics.
(d) An understanding of history.

2. What prevents the British from effectively governing America?
(a) Their ignorance.
(b) Their reputation.
(c) Their recklessness.
(d) Their fear.

3. In his letter to Howe, what comparison does Paine make about arguing with a man who has no use for authority?
(a) Talking to the dead.
(b) Giving medicine to the dead.
(c) Reasoning with a wall.
(d) Talking to a wall.

4. Since all men are created equal, what does Paine consider aristocracy to be?
(a) A deceptive practice.
(b) A fallacy.
(c) A hypocrisy.
(d) A naive attempt.

5. According to Paine, which governments must unite to lead by example in order to ensure liberty worldwide?
(a) Only England and France.
(b) Only America and England.
(c) America, England, and France.
(d) Only America and France.

Short Answer Questions

1. What tactic will the king use to gain favor in the long run if he cannot rule through force in the short run?

2. What did Gideon deny?

3. What is the English government's position on the French Revolution?

4. What does Paine attribute his literary career to?

5. Which proverb does Paine refer to when commenting on the acts of Howe and Burgoyne?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Paine write Common Sense anonymously and how does he think his work will be remembered?

2. What are some of the other criticisms that Paine has about Howe?

3. Why is it necessary for the states to be separated?

4. What would happen to the land in America if the country reconciles with England?

5. According to Paine, how does England view the French Revolution?

6. What are the problems with using faith and religion for political purposes?

7. How does Paine think America's Continental Congress should be designed?

8. How did Paine and Burke become enemies and what are Paine's concerns about Burke's pamphlet?

9. Why does Paine consider the English monarchy to be ineffective?

10. How does the government of England increase its revenue through its disagreements with other countries?

(see the answer keys)

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