Final answer:
Thomas Paine's "The Crisis" expresses the virtues of democracy, advocating for an American republic with governance by elected representatives, based on the principles of republicanism and popular sovereignty.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key idea that Thomas Paine expresses in "The Crisis" is the virtues of democracy. Paine's pamphlet rejected the concept of monarchy, explicitly criticizing King George III. He advocated for the establishment of an American republic without a king, embracing republican ideals where elected representatives govern states. This political philosophy aligned with the principle of popular sovereignty, where citizens would determine their representatives and decide on issues based on majority rule. The structure of republicanism Paine supported placed the public good and community above self-interest, promoting a governance system with elected officials deliberating the state's important matters.