Of the Origin and Design of Government in General
Examines natural principles of government and critiques the English constitution.
7 argumentative units
- 01Society Versus Government
Paine distinguishes society, born from human wants, from government, a necessary evil born from human wickedness.
- 02The Natural Origin of Government
Paine imagines a small group of settlers forming a society out of necessity and then establishing government to address moral failings.
- 03From Direct to Representative Government
As a colony grows, direct democracy becomes impractical, leading to the election of representatives to manage public affairs.
- 04The Virtue of Simple Government
Paine concludes that government's purpose is freedom and security, and argues that simpler forms of government are inherently better.
- 05The Absurdity of the English Constitution
Paine deconstructs the English constitution, arguing its components are tyrannical remnants and its system of checks is logically contradictory.
- 06The Failure of Checks and Balances
Paine refutes the idea of balanced powers, arguing that in any system, the heaviest part will inevitably dominate and render checks useless.
- 07The Crown, Pride, and Prejudice
Paine identifies the Crown as the constitution's dominant power and urges readers to overcome national pride to see the government's true flaws.