The Unchecked Expansion of Federal Government and the Fiscal Quandary

As the United States navigates the complexities of 21st-century governance, a striking contrast emerges between the early 20th century and today, particularly in the realm of federal employment and fiscal management. In 1913, the landscape of federal governance was markedly different, with a civilian federal workforce that equated to one employee for every 250,000 citizens. This ratio has dramatically shifted to one federal employee for every 115 citizens in the present day, illustrating an expansive growth in government size and scope. Furthermore, the transformation from a national debt of $30 billion in 1913, amounting to approximately $310 per citizen, to a staggering $34 trillion today, or about $100,000 per citizen, underscores a deep-seated fiscal imbalance that necessitates a reevaluation of federal spending and revenue strategies.

Illustrating Government Expansion Through Federal Employment

The sheer number of federal employees today compared to 1913 provides a tangible measure of government expansion. This growth in federal employment not only reflects the broadening of government functions and responsibilities but also signifies a shift towards an increasingly centralized administration. While evolving societal needs may have driven the expansion of services and regulatory oversight, the dramatic increase in federal employment raises critical questions about efficiency, necessity, and the constitutional mandate for a limited government.

A Spending Problem, Not a Revenue Problem

The juxtaposition of the current tax burden against the backdrop of escalating national debt vividly illustrates that the United States faces a spending problem, rather than a revenue problem. Despite the significant increase in taxation, where nearly 60% of citizens now pay an average income tax rate of 24.8%, with a top rate of 37%, the federal government has not succeeded in bridging the fiscal gap. The reliance on debt to finance government operations has propelled the national debt to unprecedented levels, suggesting that simply raising taxes is not a sustainable solution to the fiscal challenges at hand.

The expansion of federal taxation from a system where less than 1% of the population was initially subjected to income tax to one that encompasses nearly 60% of citizens today has not corresponded with fiscal solvency. Instead, the continuous growth in government spending, outpacing revenue increases, has led to a ballooning national debt, highlighting a critical need for comprehensive spending reform.

Realigning Fiscal Policies with Constitutional and Economic Principles

Addressing the fiscal imbalance requires a concerted effort to realign federal spending with both constitutional guidelines and economic sustainability principles. This realignment involves scrutinizing the size and scope of federal programs, reassessing the necessity and efficiency of federal employment, and implementing fiscal policies that prioritize long-term economic health over short-term expenditures. A commitment to spending reform, coupled with a reevaluation of the role of federal governance, is essential to resolving the current fiscal quandary.

Advocating for Fiscal Responsibility and Limited Government

The path to fiscal sustainability and constitutional fidelity is paved with disciplined spending, efficient governance, and a commitment to the principles of limited government. By acknowledging the spending problem and taking decisive action to curb unnecessary expenditures, the United States can begin to address the root causes of its fiscal challenges. Advocating for policies that enhance transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility will be crucial in steering the nation towards a more sustainable and constitutionally aligned future.

In conclusion, the profound growth in federal employment and the escalation of the national debt serve as stark reminders of the expanding reach of federal governance and its fiscal implications. Recognizing the spending problem and initiating meaningful reforms to address it are imperative steps towards restoring fiscal health and ensuring that federal governance remains within the bounds of constitutional and economic prudence.

 

Peter Serefine is a Patriot Academy Constitution Coach, Instructor for Institute on the ConstitutionAuthor, Navy Veteran, and PA State Constable

Homepage: https://www.liberty-lighthouse.com

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