Use the following passage from Thomas Paine's pamphlet, "The Rights of Man,"
(1791-1792) to answer the following question.
The independence of America, considered merely as a separation from England,
would have been a matter but of little importance, had it not been accompanied by a
revolution in the principles and practice of governments. She made a stand, not for
herself only, but for the world. --Public Domain
Which Enlightenment idea appears to influence Paine in this passage?
1) Government should be based on universal principles
2) Humanity is progressing out of bondage toward liberty
3) The importance of the idea of secularism in government
4) The belief that violence is necessary to achieve liberty

Rights of Man is written by Thomas Maine and the enlightenment idea that appears to influence Paine in this passage is Humanity is progressing out of bondage towards liberty.

Explanation:

Maine specifies that political revolution is necessary if the government fails to safeguard the interests of the people. He also claims that people are born with some inseparable rights and they are liberty, property and security. He also states that power of the government is to be used for the common good of people and not become tyrannical and oppressing the interests of any segment of the society.

His document is considered to very appropriate in visioning the ideal democracy that can exist when many egalitarian concepts are implemented in the society.