What was the main theme of the pamphlet "Common Sense" by Thomas Paine?

• A. Advocating for reconciliation with Britain
• B. Supporting the British government
• C. Advocating for independence from Britain
• D. Promoting the abolition of slavery

Answer: (C)

The pamphlet’s main idea is that the American colonies should break away from Britain and govern themselves as an independent, self-made nation. Paine argues that reconciliation with Britain isn’t practical or fair, because Parliament has imposed laws and taxes on the colonies without their consent and away from local needs. He makes a practical and moral case for independence, saying a free people deserve a government that derives its authority from the governed and that a republic would better protect liberty and prosperity than continued subordination to a distant monarchy. The work uses plain language to reach ordinary readers and helped shift public opinion toward independence at a crucial moment in 1776, when the colonies were weighing their future. It’s not focused on abolishing slavery or on supporting the British government; rather, it centers on the legitimacy and benefits of establishing an independent American government.