Document 8: Thomas Paine - Common Sense (1776) The origin and rise of government come from the problem of the inability of moral virtue
to solely govern the world; the design and end of government are freedom and security.
... and the simple voice of nature and reason will support this. ... The strongest
argument offered in favor of (absolute] monarchy is that it prevents civil wars! Were this
true, it would be significant; however, it is the most bald-faced lie ever imposed upon
mankind. The entire history of England disputes the claim. More than thirty kings have
reigned in that kingdom since the conquest (of 1066), and since that time, there has
been no less than eight civil wars and nineteen rebellions. So actually instead of making
for peace, monarchy works against it, and destroys the very principle it claims to
protect
Why is government necessary? What does it attempt to balance?