Primary Source Analysis

Thomas Paine.Common Sense
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The book in question is Thomas Paine`s Common Sense, which was published in 1776. Its aim was to advocate for American independence through encouraging uprising against the ruling British government. Though presented in a simple layman language, the book was direct and more influential in calling for independence of the American society and it is highly rated as one of the first books to actually highlight the need for American independence from British rule. Through an analysis of the various section of the book, I will highlight how the call for independence was put forth and more so give credence to the statement that his work (Paine`s book) was fundamental in attaining of independence and establishment of the American sovereign federal government.
Of the Origin and Design of Government in General, with Concise Remarks on the English Constitution
Paine starts his work by bringing forth the concept of government and society (which he argues than many people fail to understand the distinction between them). He states that society is worth fighting for in terms of establishment as it brings likeminded human desires into one unit, which fosters unity. Paine`s point of view is that governments are established by society so as to keep in check the human behavior i.e. government ensures proper societal morals are upheld. He brings out the irony in an oppressive government in that since society establishes government, it is ironical the same government can be oppressive to its own people. Furthermore, he argues that if everyone in the society upheld what the society regarded as good behavior there would be no need for governance to regulate them. Thus, the evil in society necessitates need for the government. One can rightfully conclude that a government is usually a representation and/or a true reflection of the societal values they uphold. In line with this advocacy for the American independence ought to be driven by the societal values the American people upheld. The extent to which this notion is upheld can be realized in modern day times where the American government is known to speak out against oppressive governments and regimes. This reflects the American societal values that life and liberty are core values to any established government.
The analogy of a small group of people living on an island is a reference to the established American colony (within the larger British empire). In reference to living on island, Thomas points out that the American people seem to be set apart from the other nations in the world. His argument is that the separation will eventually elicit bonds between the people and create a society, which will result in a need to establish regulations and laws (i.e. government) so as to ensure peaceful coexistence. This analogy is a calling to the American society to rise up to the occasion and demand for their independence from the British. By stating that laws created by the people themselves are more satisfactory, Paine argues how life would be more satisfying if the Americans governed themselves. This alludes to the modern day perception of a democratic government as a "government by the people for the people".
By criticizing the British colonial system of government i.e. the monarchy, Paine advocates for a different form of administration. He regards the British system as too complicated and with a lot of grey area in interpretation and application. In reality, the king is supreme. Paine is critical of this kind of government and this can be a reason as to why upon attaining of independence, the American society opted for a federal government rather than a government led by one supreme person. In essence, in modern day times this is significant in that there are very few monarchies left in the world largely due to the establishment of other desirable forms of governance.
Of Monarchy and Hereditary Succession
In this section, the relationship between religion and governance is brought forth. Paine is of the opinion that all men were born and created equally thus there should be no one supreme being (in reference to the idea of a king). He goes to great length to explain how the idea of a king (Supreme Being) created inequality in the British society. He gives a history of how the idea of a king was established through the Jewish people copying the concept from their neighbors who were heathens (and in turn forgetting their judges/elders form of leadership). Thus a king is as a result of evil (in that the heathens were regarded unholy). He gives bible references - the opposition by Prophet Samuel to choosing a king for the people and Gideon (nor his sons) refusal to rule to highlight Gods...