HISET Social Studies Practice

Disable ads (and more) with a membership for a one time $2.99 payment

Study for the HISET Social Studies Test. Access practice exams and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Prepare effectively and succeed in your test!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.

What significant work did Thomas Paine author?

The Social Contract
Common Sense
The Federalist Papers
Letters from an American Farmer

The correct answer is: Common Sense

Thomas Paine authored "Common Sense," a groundbreaking pamphlet published in 1776 that argued for American independence from British rule. This work was significant because it effectively articulated the case for independence in clear and persuasive language, making complex political ideas accessible to a general audience. Paine's arguments challenged the legitimacy of monarchy and rallied public support for the revolution, influencing many colonists’ opinions and attitudes towards the British government. The impact of "Common Sense" was profound, as it contributed to a growing revolutionary sentiment among the American colonists, leading to the eventual adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Its widespread distribution helped to mobilize support for the cause of independence at a crucial time in American history.