How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
An inquiry into the constitutional errors in the English form of government is at this time highly necessary; for as we are never in a proper condition of doing justice to others, while we continue under the influence of some leading partiality, so neither are we capable of doing it to ourselves while we remain fettered by any obstinate prejudice. (1.26)
For Thomas Paine, America cannot be a just society until it frees itself from an unjust political system—namely the system that England uses. For Paine, total democracy is the only way forward as far as justice is concerned.
Quote #2
[We] see that bribery, corruption, and favouritism are the standing vices of kings. (2.9)
Kings aren't elected by the people. They're born as rulers and they rule for life, so how can anyone expect justice from them? Sure, you might get a nice king now and then, but that's a pretty huge gamble compared to having a democracy.
Quote #3
For all men being originally equals, no one by birth could have a right to set up his own family in perpetual preference to all others for ever, and though himself might deserve SOME decent degree of honours of his contemporaries, yet his descendants might be far too unworthy to inherit them. (2.10)
It's bad enough that a king gets to have power without being elected. But it's even more unjust for his descendants to rule into the future forever. This totally cuts off the possibility that someone who deserves to rule could ever rise to the top.