Constitution Friend or Foe

Essay by geonishHigh School, 10th gradeA+, June 2006

download word file, 8 pages 3.0

The American Revolution: when you say it, a taste of historic importance touches your lips. Probably one of the most remembered event in the past, the Revolution was a war between the 13 colonies in America and, as Thomas Paine states in his article "Common Sense", their 'mother or parent country' Britain (Paine, Thomas).

With Britain finally defeated, the colonies became an independent nation. However, some more problems would arise soon. One problem was that they needed laws. Unfortunately, there was controversy on what these laws would be. Finally, a document, which would solve their law problems, was born. We know this document as the Constitution. Now, nothing is perfect, so many individuals voiced their opinions about laws and government. To get the full view of the dilemma back then, you must analyze documents written by different people with different views of a stable government.

A very powerful piece was called "Common Sense."

This was written by Thomas Paine and was first seen in a newspaper. Thomas Paine starts his piece with attention-grabbing and powerful words: "On the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain arguments, and common sense" (Paine, Thomas). Reading that opening, I believe that he really believes his opinion. I do not think that someone would use the words "common sense" along with anything that is not highly thought of.

Throughout the rest of the document, he mentions that the Revolution is a "struggle between England and America" (Paine, Thomas)". He also states, "The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth" (Paine, Thomas). This means that the struggle between the two countries is probably the most important event in their lives so far, and it will be remembered.

Reading the piece, you can figure...