Question

Why did Thomas Paine question British authority to rule the colonies in Common Sense?

Answer 1

he believed the king would only approve laws that benefit Brittan

Answer 2

Thomas Paine questioned British authority for many reasons. Some of the main ones were that Britain is too far away and because of that should leave America alone; another was that they always wage wars in which America suffers; another was that the American people ran away from the crown just to be greeted by a country where the same crown rules. The list of reasons goes on and on and on.