1. According to Zinn, what issues of equality did the Declaration of Independence fail to address?
2. According to the Declaration of IN DEPENDENCE, IF A GOVERNMENT INTERFERES WITH THE INDIVIDUAL'S PURSUIT OF CERTAIN LIBERTIES, WHAT DOES HE/SHE HAVE THE RIGHT TO DO?
3. What does Paine see to be the sole purpose of government?
4. According to Paine, how is the British government failing to fulfill the sole purpose of government?
5. As indicated by the title of his work, Paine grounds his argument for revolution in"common sense" or reason. Why does he believe that revolution is the most logical, reasonable solution?
6. What role does God play in the Declaration of Independence? How is this different from the role he plays in "Sinners in the hands of an Angry God"?
7. The Schoolhouse Rock video presents a simplified version of the events leading up to the American Revolution. Considering what you learned from Zinn's essay regarding the causes of the revolution, do you see any problems with this portrayal? Why/why not? In answering this question, please seriously consider the reasons that we teach history to children, as well as the implications of misrepresenting it.
8. Given what you know about Thomas Paine, do you think he'd approve of our modern-day American government? Why/why not?