Understanding the #UnitedStatesofAmerica Common Sense by Thomas Paine - Of the Origin and Design of Government in General (Paragraphs 15 and 16)

Of the Origin and Design of Government in General. With concise Remarks on the English Constitution

That the crown is this overbearing part in the English constitution needs not be mentioned, and that it derives its whole consequence merely from being the giver of places pensions is self evident, wherefore, though we have and wise enough to shut and lock a door against absolute monarchy, we at the same time have been foolish enough to put the crown in possession of the key.

The prejudice of Englishmen, in favor of their own government by king, lords, and commons, arises as much or more from national pride than reason. Individuals are undoubtedly safer in England than in some other countries, but the will of the king is as much the law of the land in Britain as in France, with this difference, that instead of proceeding directly from his mouth, it is handed to the people under the most formidable shape of an act of parliament. For the fate of Charles the First, hath only made kings more subtle — not more just.

Read "Common Sense" for yourself here - https://www.constitution.org/tp/comsense.htm