What concept did Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" challenge in relation to the American Revolution?

Thomas Paine's "Common Sense" challenged the concept of hereditary kingship, arguing against the idea that monarchs are divinely appointed and that their power is justified by birth. In this influential pamphlet published in 1776, Paine contended that such a system was unjust and simply an outdated method of governance that placed power in the hands of individuals based on lineage rather than merit or the consent of the governed. He advocated for the establishment of a democratic republic where authority would derive from the people, promoting the revolutionary idea that individuals have the right to self-governance and that government should be founded on principles of equality and justice. By directly challenging the legitimacy of hereditary monarchy, Paine helped galvanize public support for independence from British rule, effectively framing the American Revolution as a struggle against oppressive and arbitrary authority.