Paine is making a distinction between society and government, defining society as a coming together of men for a common goal, and government as an institution formed to protect men from their own evils. He is using this differentiation to convince the colonists that government should not hinder them in the manner that British taxation had. This explanation of government can also be found in the writings of Locke. Author, James P. Young summarizes Locke's division of government and society as, "Individuals in the state of nature contract among themselves to establish society, not government. Society is prior to government, which is thus a creature of society-(Young 33). Although Locke does not necessarily believe that government is evil, he does believe that it is subordinate to society. A society can exist without the institution of government; however a government requires a society to function. Paine's opening argument of "Common Sense- relies entirely on the teachings of John Locke. "Common Sense- is a clear example of the "Lockean- influence on the motivation for the American Revolution. .
Paine's definitions of society and government are not the only indicators of Locke's influence within "Common Sense-. The concept of natural rights can also be found in the writings of both Locke and Paine. Natural rights are defined by Locke as "life, liberty and estate-(Young 28). These inalienable rights are bestowed upon each man from birth; Locke considers them to be part of his state of nature. Paine attempts to convince colonists that their natural rights are being impeded upon by King George and the British government. Paine uses "Lockean- ideals in an attempt to inspire revolutionary thinking in the colonists. .
A contemporary of Paine's who also draws on Locke's philosophy is Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson is the author of the Declaration of Independence, a document drafted in 1776 proclaiming American independence from Great Britain.