Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of Primary Source Essentials, explore Common Sense by Thomas Paine and its powerful role in the American Revolution. Published in January 1776, Common Sense made a bold case for American independence, attacking monarchy and hereditary rule while calling the British king a threat to natural rights and liberty.
Paine argued for republican government, popular sovereignty, and the idea that in a republic “the law is king.” By promoting a continental American identity rooted in liberty and equality, Common Sense became a bestseller that helped build popular support for independence and influenced the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Have you ever wanted to quickly grasp the most important aspects of Primary Sources? BRI's new 'Primary Source Essentials' series provides swift, 2-3 minute looks at the vital parts of key Primary Sources from American history! ‘Primary Source Essentials ’are the perfect introduction to large, daunting documents and sources and can easily be supplemented by BRI’s various 'Close Read' and 'Homework Help' videos.
To learn more about Thomas Paine's Common Sense, check out BRI's Primary Source Document here: billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/common-sense
Are you teaching Thomas Paine in your classroom? Use BRI's Lesson here: billofrightsinstitute.org/lessons/thomas-paine-1737-1809
Dive deeper into the text with BRI's Common Sense Activity from Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness curriculum here: billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/thomas-paine-common-sense-1776
00:00 - 00:10 Introduction – Common Sense Explained
00:11 - 00:51 The American Revolution in 1776
00:52 - 01:08 Why Paine Wrote Common Sense
01:09 - 01:37 Monarchy vs. Natural Rights
01:38 - 02:04 Republican Government and Representation
02:05 - 02:15 Liberty, Equality, and American Identity
02:16 - 03:07 Impact on American Independence
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About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
In this episode of Primary Source Essentials, explore Common Sense by Thomas Paine and its powerful role in the American Revolution. Published in January 1776, Common Sense made a bold case for American independence, attacking monarchy and hereditary rule while calling the British king a threat to natural rights and liberty.
Paine argued for republican government, popular sovereignty, and the idea that in a republic “the law is king.” By promoting a continental American identity rooted in liberty and equality, Common Sense became a bestseller that helped build popular support for independence and influenced the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Have you ever wanted to quickly grasp the most important aspects of Primary Sources? BRI's new 'Primary Source Essentials' series provides swift, 2-3 minute looks at the vital parts of key Primary Sources from American history! ‘Primary Source Essentials ’are the perfect introduction to large, daunting documents and sources and can easily be supplemented by BRI’s various 'Close Read' and 'Homework Help' videos.
To learn more about Thomas Paine's Common Sense, check out BRI's Primary Source Document here: billofrightsinstitute.org/primary-sources/common-sense
Are you teaching Thomas Paine in your classroom? Use BRI's Lesson here: billofrightsinstitute.org/lessons/thomas-paine-1737-1809
Dive deeper into the text with BRI's Common Sense Activity from Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness curriculum here: billofrightsinstitute.org/activities/thomas-paine-common-sense-1776
00:00 - 00:10 Introduction – Common Sense Explained
00:11 - 00:51 The American Revolution in 1776
00:52 - 01:08 Why Paine Wrote Common Sense
01:09 - 01:37 Monarchy vs. Natural Rights
01:38 - 02:04 Republican Government and Representation
02:05 - 02:15 Liberty, Equality, and American Identity
02:16 - 03:07 Impact on American Independence
----
About the Bill of Rights Institute:
Established in September 1999, the Bill of Rights Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization that works to engage, educate, and empower individuals with a passion for the freedom and opportunity that exist in a free society. The Institute develops educational resources and programs for a network of more than 50,000 educators and 70,000 students nationwide.
Official Site: billofrightsinstitute.org
Facebook: / billofrightsinstitute
Twitter: / brinstitute
Instagram: / brinstitute
BRI Educator Newsletter Sign Up Page: https://billofrightsinstitute.org/new...
