The People as Political Authors

Common Sense

This flow traces the changing role Paine assigns to ordinary people, from natural equals to electors responsible for creating government.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

People in Natural Equality People in Natural Equality from "Common Sense". People in Natural Equality Equal Standing Paine begins from the premise that people are originally equal, with no natural division into rulers and subjects.

People in Natural Equality from "Common Sense". People in Natural Equality Equal Standing Paine begins from the premise that people are originally equal, with no natural division into rulers and subjects.

People in Natural Equality Equal Standing Paine begins from the premise that people are originally equal, with no natural division into rulers and subjects. Political status therefore needs justification. A Basis for Participation If no one is born with a right to rule everyone else, public authority must be grounded in something other than lineage. Equality becomes a foundation for popular government.

The First Public Assembly The First Public Assembly from "Common Sense". The First Public Assembly A Seat for Each Person In Paine’s imagined early settlement, every man has a natural seat in the assembly.

The First Public Assembly from "Common Sense". The First Public Assembly A Seat for Each Person In Paine’s imagined early settlement, every man has a natural seat in the assembly.

The First Public Assembly A Seat for Each Person In Paine’s imagined early settlement, every man has a natural seat in the assembly. Small scale makes direct participation possible. Public Rules Begin The first regulations arise from common deliberation and social pressure. Government begins as a practical response rather than an inherited institution.

Delegation Becomes Necessary Delegation Becomes Necessary from "Common Sense". Delegation Becomes Necessary Representation for Scale Growth makes it impractical for everyone to meet on every public matter.

Delegation Becomes Necessary from "Common Sense". Delegation Becomes Necessary Representation for Scale Growth makes it impractical for everyone to meet on every public matter.

Delegation Becomes Necessary Representation for Scale Growth makes it impractical for everyone to meet on every public matter. People therefore select representatives to act on shared concerns. Accountability Through Elections Paine argues for frequent elections so delegates return among their electors. Public service should remain connected to the people who authorize it.

People Claim Political Authority

People Claim Political Authority Authorization Beyond Elites Paine’s proposed conference includes representatives chosen by the people, not only members of existing assemblies. The design seeks a legal authority grounded in public consent. A Charter of Rights The people’s role is to authorize a framework that protects liberty and property. They are not merely subjects of a constitution made elsewhere.

Citizens After Independence Citizens After Independence from "Common Sense". Citizens After Independence Old Factions Set Aside Paine calls on Whigs and Tories to set aside their labels in favor of civic responsibility.

Citizens After Independence from "Common Sense". Citizens After Independence Old Factions Set Aside Paine calls on Whigs and Tories to set aside their labels in favor of civic responsibility.

Citizens After Independence Old Factions Set Aside Paine calls on Whigs and Tories to set aside their labels in favor of civic responsibility. Political identity should turn on support for public rights. A Responsible People The citizens’ task is to sustain the new states through openness, resolve, and virtue. Popular authority brings obligations as well as freedom.

At the beginning of the political argument

When the imagined small colony first deliberates

As the colony expands across greater distances

During the proposed constitutional convention

At the concluding call for a new political identity