Of the Origin and Design of Government in General

Paine distinguishes society, born from human wants, from government, a necessary evil born from human wickedness.

Paine imagines a small group of settlers forming a society out of necessity and then establishing government to address moral failings.

As a colony grows, direct democracy becomes impractical, leading to the election of representatives to manage public affairs.

Paine concludes that government's purpose is freedom and security, and argues that simpler forms of government are inherently better.

Paine deconstructs the English constitution, arguing its components are tyrannical remnants and its system of checks is logically contradictory.

Paine refutes the idea of balanced powers, arguing that in any system, the heaviest part will inevitably dominate and render checks useless.

Paine identifies the Crown as the constitution's dominant power and urges readers to overcome national pride to see the government's true flaws.