Thomas Paine played a pivotal role in galvanizing American thought, with his revolutionary pamphlet, Common Sense, which spoke of such radical ideas as natural rights and independence. Statesman, diplomat, legislature and future president Thomas Jefferson, undoubtedly influenced by Locke, Smith and Paine issued the Declaration of Independence, which led to the eventual adoption of Libertarian principles. ... As I mentioned earlier Libertarians believe in a society where government plays a limited role in the everyday lives of its citizens; they see government solely as an institution respons...

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