Final answer:
Thomas Paine's Common Sense argued that Britain was unsuited to govern the American colonies due to distance, differing economic needs, and governance philosophies, ultimately contributing to revolutionary sentiment.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Thomas Paine's Common Sense, Britain could not effectively rule the American colonies primarily due to the geographical distance, the evolving economic needs of the colonies, and the philosophical differences in governance. The pamphlet argued that Britain's attention to its own interests over those of the colonies, its prohibitive trade practices, and the imposition of taxes without proper representation were not just problematic but reasons for independence. The idea that colonies, now mature and robust, were capable of self-governance without British interference resonated widely, especially given the burgeoning spirit of inter-colony cooperation.
Common Sense not only emphasized the natural rights and equality of individuals but also criticized the hereditary monarchy system, asserting that a ruler who fails to attend to his subjects' interests forfeits his right to govern. Paine's powerful words suggested that separation from Britain was both necessary and inevitable, propelling American sentiment towards the revolutionary cause. Thus, Britain's governmental approach was not aligned with the economic realities or the burgeoning desire for self-governance and natural rights among the colonies.