Government as a Necessary Evil

Common Sense

This flow traces Paine’s theme that government originates in human imperfection and remains justified only by the security it provides.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Society Before Rule Society Before Rule from "Common Sense". Society Before Rule Different Origins Paine separates society, which grows from human needs, from government, which addresses human wrongdoing.

Society Before Rule from "Common Sense". Society Before Rule Different Origins Paine separates society, which grows from human needs, from government, which addresses human wrongdoing.

Society Before Rule Different Origins Paine separates society, which grows from human needs, from government, which addresses human wrongdoing. Their purposes and origins are not the same. Mutual Affection Society encourages association and shared life. Government restrains conduct that threatens those relationships.

Innocence and Restraint Innocence and Restraint from "Common Sense". Innocence and Restraint Moral Limits If people followed conscience consistently, Paine suggests, they would need little external law.

Innocence and Restraint from "Common Sense". Innocence and Restraint Moral Limits If people followed conscience consistently, Paine suggests, they would need little external law.

Innocence and Restraint Moral Limits If people followed conscience consistently, Paine suggests, they would need little external law. Human inconsistency makes that ideal impossible to rely on. The Cost of Protection People surrender some property to protect the rest. Government is accepted as the lesser of two dangers, not celebrated as a natural good.

A Remedy for Insecurity A Remedy for Insecurity from "Common Sense". A Remedy for Insecurity Security as the Purpose Government is justified by its capacity to protect people.

A Remedy for Insecurity from "Common Sense". A Remedy for Insecurity Security as the Purpose Government is justified by its capacity to protect people.

A Remedy for Insecurity Security as the Purpose Government is justified by its capacity to protect people. Its authority should be measured against the safety it actually provides. Least Cost, Greatest Benefit Paine favors whichever form secures people with the least expense and greatest advantage. Institutional design is a practical moral question.

Power Risks Becoming Harm Power Risks Becoming Harm from "Common Sense". Power Risks Becoming Harm A Necessary Danger Even good government remains an evil required by human weakness.

Power Risks Becoming Harm from "Common Sense". Power Risks Becoming Harm A Necessary Danger Even good government remains an evil required by human weakness.

Power Risks Becoming Harm A Necessary Danger Even good government remains an evil required by human weakness. Bad government makes suffering worse because people supply the means by which they are oppressed. Accountability Required The institution that protects can also become a source of danger. Its purpose therefore demands public scrutiny and limits.

Simplicity as Safeguard Simplicity as Safeguard from "Common Sense". Simplicity as Safeguard Faults Made Visible Paine argues that simpler systems make it easier to identify the source of public suffering.

Simplicity as Safeguard from "Common Sense". Simplicity as Safeguard Faults Made Visible Paine argues that simpler systems make it easier to identify the source of public suffering.

Simplicity as Safeguard Faults Made Visible Paine argues that simpler systems make it easier to identify the source of public suffering. Clear responsibility makes correction more possible. Repairable Institutions A political form should not only promise security but be capable of repair when it fails. Simplicity becomes a safeguard against obscured power.

At the opening distinction between society and government

As Paine explains why government becomes necessary

At the conclusion of the opening theory of government

As Paine evaluates government in its best and worst forms

During Paine’s comparison of political forms