It is out of the question to say how long what is called the English constitution has lasted, and to argue from thence how long it is to last; the question is, how long can the funding system last?
Paine challenges the focus on the historical duration of the English constitution, redirecting attention to the more pressing issue of the sustainability of the nation's financial system.
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The American constitutions were to liberty what a grammar is to language: they define its parts of speech, and practically construct them into syntax.
The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.
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.
They had a cause at stake, on which depended their freedom or their slavery.