What does Paine state is one of the most serious problems infesting the colonies?

In Thomas Paine's writings, particularly in "Common Sense," he identifies the issue of monarchy and hereditary succession as one of the most serious problems infesting the colonies. He argues that the existence of a king and the system of inherited power are fundamentally unjust, leading to tyranny and oppression. Paine advocates for independence from British rule, emphasizing the need for a government based on reason and the consent of the governed, rather than the arbitrary authority of a monarch. This critique underscores his call for a new, democratic form of governance that prioritizes individual rights and liberties.