common sense

Thomas Paine, an English-born writer influenced by anti-monarchism, authored the 1776 pamphlet 'Common Sense,' which inspired American colonists to pursue revolution against their king. A correspondent visited Lewes, the English town that shaped Paine's early life.

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4, though the vote for independence occurred on July 2. The date became symbolic due to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Historians highlight how the spread of news and commemoration solidified July 4 as the nation's birthday.

The Supreme Court allowed states to ban trans girls (biological boys) from participating in girls’ sports at publicly funded schools and colleges, framing the decision as a victory for states' rights and common sense.

The California primary results show a win for common sense, with voters rejecting radical socialism and tax hikes while selecting candidates focused on policy over partisanship. Republican Steve Hilton secured a victory.

The Supreme Court increasingly uses 'common sense' reasoning in legal decisions, as seen in cases like Learning Resources v. Trump (tariffs), Diamond Alternative Energy v. EPA (standing), and United States v. Rahimi (Second Amendment). Justices, including Neil Gorsuch and Ketanji Brown Jackson, have expressed skepticism about this approach, highlighting its subjective nature and potential to reflect controversial intuitions about governance.