Enrichment - Reading - Day 1

What was going on when the author wrote this document? What was happening in 1776?

What is the main idea of this passage? How do you know?

Practice: As it is used in paragraph 1, what does "maxim" mean? What context clues help you to determine the meaning?

Anticipation: As it is used in paragraph 8, what do you think "farcical" means? What context clues help you to determine the meaning?

How does Paine’s use of the word “farcical” in paragraph 8 reflect his attitude toward the English constitution?

• It reveals that he finds it to be exceedingly complex.

• It emphasizes that he finds it ineffective to the point of absurdity.

• It shows that he finds it adequate but without strong enough balances.

• It demonstrates that he finds it inevitable that the colonies will declare independence.

According to Paine, which statements are false? Select two correct answers.

• The constitution provides freedom from tyranny.

• The constitution was a glorious rescue from tyranny.

• The king is not to be trusted without being looked after.

• The three constitutional powers effectively check each other.

• The constitution includes the remains of ancient governing systems.

According to Paine, what advantage do absolute governments have?

• They are more democratic.

• They are more complex.

• People can easily identify the source of their problems.

• They offer more individual freedoms.