Is Bigger Government Better Government?

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Taking Sides: Is Bigger Government Better Government? Introduction to American Politics, Professor J. Carter Written by Adam Raymond In “Taking Sides, Issue 3”, humanities professor Jeff Madrick surveyed the numerous government interventions in the economy since the end of World War II and concluded that they have been essential to America's growth and well being. ““Bigger government could create more jobs and more money in additional sales, and has also had a positive effect on the education system.” Madrick continues: “Better education leads to less crime, less need for special education programs, and less need for welfare.” Madrick believes that government regulation can “make economies work better...reduce corruption, monopolistic pricing...[they] can temper financial speculation which distorts the flow of capital toward inefficient uses” (p.42). “When done well, regulation keeps competition honest and free, enables customers to know and understand the products they receive, and foster new ideas” (p.43).” Madrick continues to summarize many other points, stating, “Government is needed to make some things a standard across the board”, such as public water system, railroads, and the highway system. He continues by stating the National Institute of Health has been expanded due to government backing that “accounted for high proportion of medical breakthroughs.” He further illustrates this point citing the Department of Defense, and how Federal money in the 1960s eventually helped create things like the internet. In a counter point, Senator Jim DeMint compares government to a genie that can protect a nation from its enemies and ensure fair and equal treatment of its citizens but which needs to be caged lest it overwhelm and destroy the nation. “Big government has turned into a “proliferation of special interests” and has “created a threat to freedom quite

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