Thomas Paine clearly feels that hereditary monarchs are worse than useless. That is an ongoing theme. Paine at some times seems to be a libertarian, at other times a socialist.
He praises the peaceful nature of the French Revolution, but the book is believed to be composed before the "Reign of Terror". He criticizes the House of Lords in Great Britain, stating that this house protects the aristocracy from the burdens of taxation with the result of the heaviest burden of taxes falling on the working man.
Thomas Paine proposes taking away compensation from the monarchs and making welfare payments to the poor and, in effect, giving pensions to the aged. He proposes "progressive" taxation. Some of his recommendations to Great Britain reminds the reader of the "New Deal" of Franklin Roosevelt. He proposes ongoing public employment to individuals in need. These last suggestions are directed to Great Britain. He proposes the reduction, in kind, of the world's navies which puts in mind the Washington Naval Treaty after World War 1.
This work provides great insights into political philosophy at the time. Also recommended are excerpts of this this volume, that about American Democracy, as an adjunct to "Democracy in America" by Alexis De Tocqueville. Finally, as a matter of conscience, the author makes some needless negative comments about Jews, and also although he is quite quick to point out problems and injustice in Great Britain, he does not seem inordinately troubled by the issue of slavery in the United States. It never ceases to amaze at what can be perceived to be indifference to slavery in early America by so many, but not all, early American men of thought. These are great men, not perfect men...Â