Representative Government

The text champions a representative system based on election and reason, where government is a delegation of power for the common benefit, in contrast to the old system of hereditary privilege.

Paine believed that if allowed to choose representatives, the people would select their best and wisest men, and that government should be limited to defending individual rights.

Paine contrasts the French Constitution's proportional representation with the English system where large towns like Manchester have no representation.

The Declaration of Rights is presented as the foundation for a legitimate government, contrasting with hereditary and corrupt systems

Paine argues that representative government is the practical embodiment of popular sovereignty, contrasting it with hereditary rule.