Publication of the "Common Sense Letters": A Modern Framework for Government Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Common Sense movement has officially released the Common Sense Letters, a compelling series of ten essays designed to stimulate national conversation about the future of American government.
In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote a powerful pamphlet that successfully argued that when the people don't like their government, they should change it. Today, 250 years later, a modern American writing under the pen name "Thomas Payne" argues that we find ourselves in a similar position. People are unhappy with their government, and today, he argues, we should use our constitutional rights to change it.
The ten letters, dated from January to June of 2026, outline the urgent need for a Citizens' Constitutional Convention (CCC) and provide a framework for exactly how everyday Americans can reclaim their voice in Washington.
The letters are broken down into a clear, logical progression:
Letters 1-3: Make the case for why citizens should change their government and detail the mechanics of how a Citizens' Constitutional Convention can be held to pass broadly supported amendments into law.
Letters 4-9: Present six distinct, non-partisan proposals that Thomas Payne would personally bring to the convention. These proposals tackle deeply rooted issues that consistently frustrate American voters, including: requiring a Balanced Budget, instituting Term Limits, passing Campaign Finance Reform, adjusting how the President is elected, eliminating Gerrymandering, and Reforming the Supreme Court to better reflect the will of the voters.
Letter 10: Issues a final, rallying call to action, describing exactly how citizens can support the non-partisan cause to correct the deficiencies in our federal government.
"These ideas are non-partisan and widely supported by a strong majority of Americans," notes Payne in his writings. The proposed amendments in the letters are offered as a starting point for discussion; ultimately, any amendments proposed at a real CCC would be determined solely by the delegates chosen by the people.
The release of the letters is intended to spark thoughtful debate and elevate promising ideas. The Common Sense movement invites all Americans—regardless of political background—to examine the ideas on their merits.
Do you have three minutes? Read the first letter. A half hour? Read all ten.
The complete series of the Common Sense Letters is now available to read online or download as a comprehensive 28-page PDF at commonsense-US.org/letters.
About Common Sense: Common Sense is a citizen-led initiative dedicated to creating a government worthy of the American people. We believe in questioning assumptions, putting citizens back in the room, following the facts, and disagreeing better. Real change begins when informed citizens engage.