Government

In the majority of Thomas Paine's work, government is the key focus. Paine is fond of visiting, defining, and redefining the governments of other countries and pointing out their flaws and absurdities. The author believes that many people live with their governments simply because it was the way of the ancients and the country as a whole did not object. It was as if silence equaled acceptance.

One of the main targets of Paine's work is the English government. Paine has very strong views on the antiquity and foolishness of maintaining a monarchy, an institution that is inappropriate and oppressive to its people. Paine also argues that the English Constitution is not a constitution at all, since its aim is to control the people rather than allow the people to control the nation.

Paine's political beliefs were strong and long lasting. Unlike many other politicians, Paine did what...