30 points! which of the following statements regarding early use of free press is true? a. thomas paine’s common sense was an anti-independence pamphlet that angered pro-independence colonists. b. the constitutional protection of free press was not in existence when thomas paine published common sense. c. sam adams and ben franklin used free press to criticize the presidency of george washington. d. free press had little effect on the american revolution.

B.

The Constitutional protection of free press was not in existence when Thomas Paine published Common Sense.

Explanation:

The first amendment to the Constitution developed the protection of free speech and free press, and it was passed in 1791, well after the revolution and war. It was bold of Paine to publish it, knowing he had no technical legal protection.

Why not A: Common Sense was pro-independence, so just the opposite.

Why not C: They didn't criticize Washington, because he wasn't president before the revolution. They probably criticized the king, George III, pre-war.

Why not D: Of course not!! Think of Common Sense; think of Join or Die.