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.\
\the 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 for Britain's inability to govern America, we analyze each option:

• First option: Argues for maintaining the connection, not against Britain's governance.
• Second option: Highlights the inefficiency of communicating with Britain (distance, time for responses), showing Britain can't govern effectively.
• Third option: Focuses on America's self - protection, not Britain's governance ability.
• Fourth option: Discusses America as a refuge for liberty, not Britain's governance.

So the second option explains the ineffectiveness of British governance.

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"