Question

Use the following excerpt from Thomas Paine's "The Rights of Man" to answer the question below:

"If, from the more wretched parts of the old world, we look at those which are in an advanced stage of improvement we still find the greedy hand of government thrusting itself into every corner and crevice of industry, and grasping the spoil of the multitude. Invention is continually exercised to furnish new pretences for revenue and taxation. It watches prosperity as its prey, and permits none to escape without a tribute."—Public Domain

Answer 1

What Enlightenment principle is Thomas Paine advancing in this excerpt?

the right of the citizens to have a government that is nationally representative
the right of the citizens to be free of abusive non-representative governments
the right of the citizens to worship or not worship as they please
the right of the citizens to abandon Enlightenment principles if they don't work

Answer 2

Over taxation, fees and regulations are an abuse committed by tyrants. Unfortunately, today, it has become an abuse committed by "representative" governments as well. Your answer is B

Answer 3

thanks