For about a century, U.S. government expenditures reflected Adam Smiths view that the states role should be limited to protecting citizens from aggression and supplying goods that the free market may not provide. Beginning in the late 1800s, however, government at all levels began to change its emphasis from carrying out these traditional roles to advancing the welfare statea trend that may ultimately threaten governments capacity to provide the services that Smith deemed essential to the maintenance of a safe and prosperous society.
Adam Smiths Roles for Government and Contemporary U.S. Roles
Is the Welfare State Crowding Out Governments Basic Functions?
By Jody W. Lipford, Jerry Slice
This
article
appeared in
the Spring 2007 issue of The Independent Review.
Economic History and DevelopmentEconomistsEconomyEntitlements and WelfareFederal Budget PolicyFiscal Policy/DebtGovernment and PoliticsLaw and LibertyPhilosophy and ReligionPolitical TheoryPublic ChoiceState and Local Fiscal PolicyTaxes and Budget
Other Independent Review articles by Jody W. Lipford | ||
Summer 2020 | Is the Welfare State Crowding Out Governments Basic Functions?:An Update | |
Spring 2018 | Who Is the Forgotten Man (and Woman) on the Fiscal Commons? | |
Spring 2012 | Taxpayers and Tax Spenders:Does a Zero Tax Price Matter? | |
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