The book Common Sense was written by Thomas Paine and published in 1776. Thomas Paine responds to the argument that the colonies have flourished under British Rule by making a powerful case for a democratic government with leaders elected by the people, instead of being ruled by the British Monarchy. Paine argues that it is senseless for an island, Great Britain, to rule a continent. America could also stay out of European conflicts if she was no longer ruled by Great Britain. His most powerful argument is that Britain would rule for the benefit of Britain, not for the benefit of the colonies.