We have it in our power to begin the world over again. . . .The birthday of a new world is at hand, and a race of men, perhaps as numerous as all Europe contains, are to receive their portion of freedom from the events of a few months. —Common Sense, Thomas Paine This is one of the most quoted passages from Common Sense, which became a best seller in the American colonies early in 1776. How did Paine's argument affect the colonists' opinions about how they ought to be governed? A. It led some Americans to believe that their colonies needed new constitutions.

B. It convinced many Americans that they should seek independence from Britain.

C. It led some Americans to believe that their colonies needed elected governors.

D. It convinced many Americans that they should be represented in Parliament.