Source Booklet Chapter 8

Source 1
George: I don't like paying taxes, but on the other hand I know my taxes help
generate government revenue which can be used to improve social services.
Bess: Taxes should be used to close the gap between the rich and the poor, in order
to create a more balanced, empathetic society. Private wealth just causes greed and
crime.
Nancy: Taxation is a means for government workers to increase their personal
wealth at the expense of the citizens they're supposed to represent.
Ned: It's hard for the average citizen to know what their taxes are being spent on,
and this deters people from being honest on their tax return forms. The system
would be better if people were more honest about their incomes and the
government was more honest about its spending.

Source 2

Speaker #1:
Speaker #2:
Speaker #3:

Speaker #4:

"Wealth and services are better distributed to society when the

government plays a role in controlling and regulating economic
activity."
"High taxes, high government spending and a high level of
government regulation of business decreases initiative and harms
the economy.
"The government has a right to use our money as they see fit to
redistribute the wealth, decrease economic inequality, and create
new programs as they see fit."
"Creating social programs and improving correctional
institutions will help to change the problems in society that cause
crime, and improve society through decreasing levels of crime
and rate of criminals reoffending."

Source 3

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Government political platform

Collective rights
Special interest groups
Consumer behavior
Industry lobby groups

Economy

Source 4
The political party in power in the country of Demokratia has just implemented a new
income tax structure:
Old Income Tax Structure

New Income Tax Structure

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All levels on income taxed at a flat

rate of 12.5%

Income under $30,000 = 10%

income tax
Income $30,001-$50,000 =
12% income tax
Income $50,001 - $80,000 =
15% income tax
Income over $80,000 = 25%
income tax

Source 5

Speaker #1:

Speaker #2:

Speaker #3:
Speaker #4:

"The government has a right to use our money as they see fit to
redistribute the wealth, decrease economic inequality, and create
new programs as they see fit."
"The money we earn is ours and we should not be subject to high
levels of taxation or other government initiatives to redistribute
wealth; the government should not be using our money to run
extensive social programs to aid those who do not take initiative
to see to their own well-being."
"Free enterprise as in a market economy is the most efficient and
effective way to run an economy."
"High taxes, high government spending and a high level of
government regulation of business decreases initiative and harms
the economy.

Source 6

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Comprehensive health care.

Income Assistance for low income earners.
Child Care.
Education grants, bursaries or subsidies.
Child Protection Services.
Affordable housing initiatives.
Senior's pensions.

Unemployment Insurance.