Question

in common sense, paine claims that great britain has lost the authority and the ability to fairly and effectively govern america.
what reasoning does paine use to support this point?

\i have heard it asserted by some, that as america hath flourished under her former connection with great britain, that the same connection is necessary towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect.\

\to be always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six more to explain it in, will in a few years be looked upon as folly and childishness—there was a time when it was proper, and there is a proper time for it to cease.\

\her trade will always be a protection, and her barrenness of gold and silver secure her from invaders.\

\this new world hath been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every part of europe.\

Explanation:

To determine Paine's reasoning, we analyze each option:

• The first option presents an opposing view (that Britain's connection is good for America's future), not support for Britain losing governing ability.
• The second option describes the impracticality of communicating with Britain (traveling long distances, waiting months for answers), showing Britain can't govern fairly/effectively due to logistical inefficiencies.
• The third option is about America's security from trade and lack of gold/silver, not Britain's governing ability.
• The fourth option is about America as a refuge for liberty - seekers, irrelevant to Britain's governing authority.

Answer:

The second option: "To be always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting four or five months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six more to explain it in, will in a few years be looked upon as folly and childishness—there was a time when it was proper, and there is a proper time for it to cease."