What Role Should the Government play in economic life Essay

What Role Should the Government play in economic life - Essay Example ent centuries, such as Karl Marx, have questioned the right of private property, and have called for an active part in controlling the generation and distribution of wealth. The marketplace and the government meet head-on in the division of authority in the creation and distribution of goods, services, and wealth. All economists, except the most conservative capitalists, believe that the government has some role in constructing and guiding the economy. The role of the government in economics is to assure that the economy of the country is able to express its culture and societal will. Taxation is one of the primary policy functions that a government can use to stimulate or discourage economic activity. Indeed, governments require taxation to provide the necessary funding for needed projects. Ideally, it is hoped that taxation would be fair and all citizens would bear an equal tax burden based on their abilities and needs. However, capitalism has been able to develop concentrated wealth and this unbridled economic freedom has the possibility to create the perception of a shortage of resources. The sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were characterized by food riots as production increased the supply, markets agitated a sense of shortage, and the threat of unfair taxes interjected a sense fear into the system. The governments role in economics is to assure the fair implementation of tax laws and eradicate the fear of taxes. According to Rothschild, "Commerce will flourish only in a state with a regular administration of justice" (14). The governments role in taxati on is to sustain a high degree of confidence in the application of the existing tax laws. The governments role in economics, in regards to taxes, is the generation of confidence in justice and not directing society through tax encouragements. Governments often assume the role of directing a societys culture through a series of punitive taxes or rewarding credits. Taxes are often levied against a product,