This being admitted, it will then appear, that the exertion of the nation, at different periods, to abate that tyranny, and render it less intolerable, has been credited for a constitution.
Paine argues that the English "constitution" is merely the result of the nation's efforts over time to mitigate an original tyranny.
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They form a common policy throughout Europe, detached and separate from the interest of Nations: and while they appear to quarrel, they agree to plunder.
To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.
Nothing can be more terrible to a Court or Courtier than the Revolution of France.