The Debate on Government Size: Political Parties' Stance and Reality

When it comes to the topic of government size, political parties often have differing views. Some advocate for minimal government intervention, while others believe in a robust state role. This article explores the positions of various political parties and the actual outcomes regarding their commitment to smaller governments.

Libertarian Party: Radical Advocates for Reduced Government

The Libertarian Party is synonymous with the idea of a smaller government. Unlike the Democratic and Republican parties, which often raise the banner of reducing government size but maintain a track record of increasing spending, Libertarians are consistently pushing for sweeping reductions across all areas of government activity.

As an example, a common phrase associated with former Speaker Newt Gingrich's party is “drown government in the bathtub.” However, it's important to note that this rhetoric often clashes with their actions. In practice, the party tends to favor reducing regulations and taxes, but not necessarily reducing the overall size of government significantly. Their focus is more on deregulating corporations and reducing state intervention in personal and economic freedoms.

UK Political Landscape: Conservative and Labour

Britain's political landscape presents a stark contrast. The Conservative Party, led by figures such as former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, has traditionally championed the cause of smaller government. In contrast, the Labour Party, which advocates for a more socialist system, supports a larger government and state employment and interference.

Following the 2010 General Election, the Conservative Party formed a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats. Their plans included reforming constituency boundaries to ensure more equal representation and reducing the number of Members of Parliament (MPs) from 650 to 600. These plans were ultimately abandoned when the Liberal Democrats reneged on their agreement, prioritizing a referendum on electoral reform over the boundary changes.

Despite the Conservatives' efforts, the Liberal Democrats' primary focus on a proportional voting system overshadowed the initial goal of government reform.

Republican and Democratic Perspectives on Government Size

Within the United States, the Republican Party officially states its preference for a smaller government, but this has not always translated into practical outcomes. In power, Republicans often increase defense spending, which paradoxically results in an expanded government.

For instance, during Barack Obama's presidency, the federal government workforce stood at 2,860,000 employees in January 2010. In April 2020, during Donald Trump's presidency, the federal government workforce had slightly increased to 2,887,000 employees. This modest increase under Republican leadership contradicts the public claims of a desire for smaller government.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party prioritizes a government that is large enough to perform its essential functions and to regulate large corporations. Their focus is on maintaining a robust economy, social welfare programs, and regulatory frameworks that protect public interests and environmental standards.

Conclusion: Ideals vs. Reality

The debate around government size is a complex and multifaceted issue. While political parties may espouse different visions for the role of government, the practical outcomes often diverge significantly from these ideals. Libertarians advocate for radical reform, while parties like the Conservatives pursue more moderate changes. In the case of the Republicans and Democrats, their rhetoric and actions sometimes conflict, with defense spending influencing the size of the government in ways not aligned with their stated preferences.