1. Who was the author of the influential pamphlet *Common Sense*, which helped build support for American independence?
- A. George Washington
- B. Thomas Jefferson
- C. Thomas Paine
- D. Benjamin Franklin
2. What was the main purpose of Thomas Paine's pamphlet, *Common Sense*, when it was published in 1776?
- A. To ask the king for more representation in Parliament
- B. To argue that the colonies should form their own free and independent government
- C. To describe the history of the British monarchy for students
- D. To propose a peaceful settlement with Great Britain
3. Why was the use of simple and direct language in *Common Sense* so effective?
- A. It was required by the British government for all publications.
- B. It made the arguments for independence understandable to a wide audience of ordinary people, not just educated leaders.
- C. It was designed to be easily translated into French for potential allies.
- D. It followed the complex style of writing popular in European philosophy.
4. What was the general attitude of many American colonists toward independence before *Common Sense* was published?
- A. Most colonists were already demanding independence.
- B. They were united in their loyalty to the king.
- C. Many were uncertain or undecided about separating from Great Britain.
- D. They were focused on expanding their territories to the west.
5. According to the ideas presented in *Common Sense*, what was the most logical path for the American colonies?
- A. To govern themselves as a free country
- B. To pay lower taxes to the king
- C. To send representatives to London
- D. To remain loyal British subjects
6. According to the ideas of the Enlightenment, what is the main purpose of any government?
- A. To expand its territory by winning wars
- B. To make the nation's rulers wealthy
- C. To protect the natural rights of the people
- D. To force all citizens to have the same religion
7. What did Enlightenment thinkers argue people had the right to do if their government broke the social contract?
- A. They must obey the ruler no matter what
- B. They could create a new government
- C. They had to pay higher taxes
- D. They should ask another country for help
8. The ideas of the Enlightenment challenged the older European belief that rulers got their power from where?
- A. The people
- B. God
- C. Winning an election
- D. The military
9. Before the Enlightenment, most European governments were based on the idea that a king's power was absolute. What new idea did Enlightenment thinkers propose?
- A. That a government's power should be limited and protect citizens.
- B. That there should be no governments at all.
- C. That only the wealthiest citizens should be able to vote for a king.
- D. That a king should control every aspect of a person's life.
10. The concept of a 'social contract' is best described as what kind of relationship?
- A. A business deal between two kings
- B. An agreement between a government and the people it rules
- C. A secret pact between spies from different countries
- D. A religious promise made by a monarch