In Common Sense, Thomas Paine argued that the colonies

should declare independence from Britain and establish a democratic government. He criticized the idea of monarchy and argued that it was absurd for a small island to govern a large continent from across the sea. Paine believed that the colonies should have their own government and make decisions for themselves, without interference from the British monarchy. He also argued that the British government had failed to protect the rights of colonists and that it was necessary to break away in order to secure their liberty and future prosperity.