Here we see a regular process--a government issuing out of a constitution, formed by the people in their original character; and that constitution serving, not only as an authority, but as a law of control to the government.
In "Rights of Man," Paine explains how a legitimate government derives its power from a constitution established by the people, which then limits that government.
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The more it is struck the more sparks it will emit; and the fear is it will not be struck enough.
It has nothing to dread from attacks; truth has given it an establishment, and time will record it with a name as lasting as his own.
Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.