Question

read the excerpt from common sense
\some massanello may hereafter arise, who, laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together the desperate and the discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of government may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge.\
in the excerpt, paine compares a deluge—a torrential downpour—to the actions of a group of men to illustrate their
force.
intentions.
numbers.
pride.

Explanation:

A deluge is a powerful and forceful natural event. By comparing the actions of the men to a deluge, Paine is emphasizing the force with which they may "sweep away the liberties of the continent". The word "deluge" itself implies a strong, overwhelming force.

Answer:

force.