Methods used by government to pay expenditures?

Question

Hi all, I have to create a timeline for class for 1700s-2000s of methods used by the government to pay expenditures. (3-4 methods per century.)

Does anyone have any good resources or where would be good places to search? I can't seem to find a good site with info on it. Any help would be appreciated, thanks!!

Answer 1

Prior to 1913 there was no income tax except for a brief period during the civil war. For most of this period the major source of revenue was tariffs. Then as now excise taxes were also used. Debt was used in time of war and during the depressions but until the last 30 years they balanced the budget most of the time.
also see

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0005921.html

Answer 2

Changes in tax is a zero-sum game as far as national income is considered. It accumulates to government income from that of individuals and institutions. Increase in government expenditure leads to increased money as consumption and hence more production. That leads to increased GDP.

Answer 3

This is not specific by time period but we have:
- inflation tax (so on the top or the wrong side of the laffer curve)
- public debt (or borrowing from abroad)
- tax income from the public