Which word or phrase is a synonym for the word doctrine?

The correct answers would be precept, creed or axiom.

The word doctrine means a principle that directs something. It could be a principle or doctrine in church or policy in government.  

For instance, the doctrine or precepts that are followed by the clergy in a determined religion. They have to do this and behave like that to following their doctrine. In the case of politics, the Monro doctrine in the United States that stated "America for the Americans."

answer: common sense was the pamphlet that thomas paine used to convince reluctant americans to abandon the goal of reconciling with britain and to accept that independence was the only option to preserve their liberty.