3.5.2   Scope of Government Spend

There are economic disagreements on the scope of government spend, arising from the differences between individualists and collectivists

There is some government spending in every economic system, as described earlier (3.2.3).  It should never be regarded as a 'blank cheque' because those who pay the most should be able to feel that the expenditure is justifiable.  Public money should not be wasted. 

The decisions on the scope of government spend are taken politically, as described later (6.7.1).  Both individualists and collectivists have economic arguments that they can put forward to support their preferences, though, as described in the following sub-sections:

·     It is possible for private individuals and companies to provide everything that a State might provide, with each person being responsible for paying their own way.  Individualists prefer such policies, arguing that private enterprise can supply people’s needs more efficiently than a government, and that low taxes will stimulate economic growth (3.5.2.1). 

·     A collectivist model requires the collection of taxes to fund transfer payments and public services, so that the government can invest in public infrastructure and give everyone access to the services that they need.  This creates employment opportunities and increases the productivity of the workforce, benefiting the economy (3.5.2.2).

·     These economic disagreements on the scope of government spend are restricted by economic realities that politicians of either ideology must take account of (3.5.2.3).  And a viable economy requires elements of both individualism and collectivism, so compromise is necessary.

(This is an archive of a page intended to form part of Edition 4 of the Patterns of Power series of books.  The latest versions are at book contents).