The Never-ending Expansion of the U.S. Federal Government: An Inevitable Trend

The growth of the U.S. federal government seems to be an unstoppable trend. As society progresses, governments naturally follow a path of expanding their roles and responsibilities. This article explores the factors behind this expansion and the reasons why it is unlikely that the U.S. federal government will ever decrease in size.

Factors Contributing to Government Growth

Technological Progress and Infrastructure Needs: With the advancement of technology, the world has shrunk, making economies and military capabilities much more interconnected. This interconnectedness requires a robust governmental response to manage the relationships between countries. Providing necessary infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and communication systems, has become a primary responsibility of the government. These services often require minimal intrusion into personal liberties while enhancing them, such as the ability to cross a river with a bridge. A small tax on the goods and services provided by the state can justify such minimal infringement.

Domestic Challenges

Debt and Entitlement Programs: Internationally, the global interconnectedness ensures that the U.S. federal government continues to expand in response to various challenges. Domestically, the situation is different but equally compelling. Given our sizable economic debt and sacrosanct entitlement programs such as Social Security and Medicare, it is nearly impossible for the government to contract in size. The entitlement programs, designed to provide social safety nets, have become a cornerstone of American society and are deeply ingrained into the social fabric.

Redefining Governance for a Modern Society

Modern Challenges and the Need for Bigger Government: The 18th-century libertarian agrarian philosophy, which advocated for minimal government intervention, is no longer feasible in today's complex and interconnected world. Modern challenges such as climate change, healthcare, education, and cybersecurity require a much broader and more active role from the government. Today, even the most successful tech startups, such as Google and Apple, have grown into vast bureaucratic entities with complex legal and accounting departments, indicating the need for a larger and more efficient government to manage modern societal needs.

Historical and Demographic Context

Population Growth and Framework of Governance: The historical context of the U.S. federal government is also a significant factor contributing to its expansion. When the 13 colonies were managed by the British government, the need for a big government did not exist. The U.S. Constitution was a response to the need for a more centralized and efficient system of governance. Today, the U.S. is home to over 300 million people from diverse backgrounds and cultures, living in various environments ranging from urban cities to rural areas and everything in between. The Founding Fathers could not have envisioned the sheer scale of the population and the diverse needs that would arise. The government's role must evolve to address issues such as natural disasters, healthcare, and education that were unimaginable in the 18th century.

Conclusion

The U.S. federal government will continue to grow as long as the population increases and as its role in addressing modern challenges expands. The technological progress, demographic changes, and the need to provide essential infrastructure and social services will ensure that the government remains a central and integral part of American society. In the 21st century, a more efficient and expansive government is necessary to meet the demands of a diverse and complex population.