A) existence of state sovereignty INCORRECT Paine actually supported the idea of a strong central government over state sovereignty. In 'Common Sense,' he argued for a continental government with authority over the states, as he believed that a weak central government would lead to disunity and vulnerability. He wrote, 'The more simple a thing is, the more it is liable to be disordered.' Thus, he would not reject state sovereignty as a concept, but rather the excessive power given to states under the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution's balance of federal and state powers might have been acceptable to him, but the option of state sovereignty is not something he would outright reject.
B) adherence to natural rights INCORRECT Paine was a strong proponent of natural rights, as evidenced by his writings. In 'Common Sense,' he declared that 'the cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind,' and he argued that government should protect the natural rights of life, liberty, and property. He would not reject the Constitution's adherence to natural rights, as the Constitution and its Bill of Rights reflect many of these principles. In fact, Paine's ideas heavily influenced the Declaration of Independence and the revolutionary generation's belief in unalienable rights.
C) strong national legislature INCORRECT Paine advocated for a strong national legislature, as he believed that a representative body should have significant power to make laws for the common good. In 'Common Sense,' he proposed a Continental Congress with authority to govern the colonies. He would not reject a strong national legislature; rather, he would support it as a means to ensure effective governance. The Constitution's creation of a powerful Congress aligns with his vision of a central government capable of acting decisively.
D) equal executive branch CORRECT Thomas Paine explicitly rejected the idea of a plural executive, which is an executive branch with multiple leaders of equal power. In 'Common Sense,' he wrote, 'When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember that virtue is not hereditary.' He argued that a single executive would be more efficient and accountable, whereas an equal executive branch would lead to confusion and internal conflict. He stated, 'The executive power is better trusted in the hands of one than of many.' Therefore, he would reject any constitutional design that created an equal executive branch, as it would undermine the strength and decisiveness needed in government.
