Question

excerpts from common sense, january 1776 by thomas paine
common sense is a pamphlet written by thomas paine in january 1776. it was printed during the beginning stages of the american revolutionary war. this pamphlet encouraged american colonists to break away and become independent from english authority. paine was careful to write the pamphlet so that everyone could understand. he wanted people to be able to read and comprehend his ideas about american independence. therefore, he did not focus on philosophical references and was careful to use common language. his goal was for people to see independence as a way for america to prosper and grow economically and politically.
what enlightenment principle is paine arguing in favor of in this excerpt?
freedom of expression
representative government
separation of church and state
a limited monarchy

Explanation:

Thomas Paine's Common Sense was advocating for American independence from British rule. Representative government is a key Enlightenment principle where the people have a say in governance, which aligns with the goal of American colonists breaking away from a monarchy (British rule) to form their own government that represents the people. Freedom of expression is more about speech/writing rights. Separation of church and state is about religion - state relations. A limited monarchy is a monarchy with restricted powers (not relevant as Paine was against British monarchy rule for independence).

Answer:

representative government