Question

Why did Thomas Paine question British authority to rule the colonies in Common Sense? He believed the king would only approve laws that benefited Britain. He believed Parliament did not understand the needs of the American people. He believed British laws could not be enforced from a distance. He believed the size of the colonies made them impossible for Britain to rule.

Answer 1

Thomas Paine questioned the British authority to rule the colonies in common sense as he believed that representational governance was more superior  to monarchy and other forms of governments that were based on Aristocracy and heredity.

He also wanted the British authority to allow America have trade ties with other free nations like France and Spain, this is evident from his argument that America was related to Europe as a whole.

Answer 2

Thomas Paine questioned British authority to rule the colonies in Common Sense because he believed the king would only approve laws that benefited Britain.

Thus from the options given in the question, the one the best suits as the answer is ( A ) He believed the king would only approve laws that benefited Britain.