ABSTRACT
The key themes of Rights of Man are: natural rights, the constitution, popular sovereignty, universal suffrage, and social justice. Thomas Paine presents these themes in a two-part work. The first is a challenge to Edmund Burke's Reflections on the Revolution in France. The second exposes the contradictions and abuses of the aristocracy and argues for a republican form of government. Paine examines the French Revolution and how the emerging government differed from the British government of the day. He also distinguishes between society and government and the differences between the republican and aristocratic systems. Paine defines "constitution" and "popular sovereignty", argues for universal suffrage, and outlines the public measures needed to fight poverty and promote social equality. He adopts straightforward, heartfelt language immediately accessible to people with little or no formal education. Paine used religious language to encourage worldly reforms that would help people enjoy a heaven— of sorts— on Earth.
