1. European intellectual movement

3.  All original power resides in the people, and they consent to enter into a “social contract” among themselves to form a government to protect their rights.  In return, the people promise to obey the laws and rules established by their government, establishing a system of “ordered liberty.”

4.  Government’s powers are limited to those the people have consented to give to it.  Whenever government becomes a threat to the people’s natural rights, it breaks the social contract, and the people have the right to alter or overthrow it.

5.  These ideas are radical  Challenge centuries old practices of dictatorial rule by kings, emperors, and chieftains.

7.  English immigrant to America  Wrote pamphlet – Common Sense  Challenged rule of colonies by King of England  Published January 1776  Best seller  Pushes individuals who were “on the fence” to choose independence

8.  What are the “common sense” reasons??

9.  Why should an individual rule an empire because he inherited the position?  Monarchy is illogical

10.  England is a tiny island ruling an entire continent!

11.  We will benefit financially if we break from England

12.  We are no longer “English” but are a new breed, American.