Question

a primary argument of thomas paines \common sense\ was that the colonists should try to negotiate a better relationship with king george iii instead of declaring independence.
true
false
the mayflower compact was a governing agreement written by the pilgrims before they settled in plymouth, demonstrating an early commitment to ______.
your answer
how did enlightenment ideas like natural rights and the social contract influence the thinking of american colonists about their relationship with great britain?
they encouraged colonists to accept the absolute power of the king.
they only influenced the wealthy elite and had no effect on the average colonist.
they provided a philosophical justification for challenging british authority and seeking independence.
they led colonists to abandon representative government in favor of a monarchy.

Explanation:

First Question (True/False)

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" argued for American independence from Britain, not negotiation with King George III. So the statement is false.

The Mayflower Compact was a governing agreement written by the Pilgrims before they settled in Plymouth, demonstrating an early commitment to self - government (or representative government, rule of law, etc. The most common and accurate answer is self - government/representative government).

Enlightenment ideas like natural rights (rights people are born with) and the social contract (the idea that government's power comes from the consent of the governed) provided a philosophical justification for colonists to challenge British authority. The colonists felt that Britain was violating their natural rights and that the social contract was broken, so they sought independence. Option A is wrong as Enlightenment ideas were against absolute power. Option B is wrong as Enlightenment ideas influenced a wide range of colonists. Option D is wrong as Enlightenment ideas were against monarchy in favor of representative government.

Answer:

False

Second Question (Fill - in - the - blank)