Paine first wrote about the relationship between society and government and how a government's efficacy could be judged only on its ability to protect the liberty and property of its citizens. He argued that the government laid out in the English constitution failed to do this. Next, Paine argued against the concept of monarchy and hereditary succession. He used the Bible to illustrate God's condemnation of monarchies. Then he argued that America no longer needed England's help, and that because England had attacked its colonies, it was no longer deserving of their loyalties. He wrote that American commerce would be better off without England's help. He proposed a government of representative democracy. Finally, he discussed America's military strength and potential
