When common sense was published, many american merchants and businesses remained loyal to the king because? a) they were afraid he would close american ports. b) they wanted to keep collecting taxes on british goods. c) they knew americans would execute anyone who rebelled. d) they wanted the british to defend them from french attacks.

The correct answer is A) They were afraid he would close American ports.

Common Sense was a pamphlet written by Thomas Paine. The goal of this pamphlet was to write about the reasons why the American colonists should break away from Great Britain. American merchants worried about this idea, as a break up with Great Britain could hurt their trade with them. This is why they constantly remained loyal, as there loyalty would allow them to have continued financial success.

answer; philip morin freneau