According to George Washington's points on taxes, what must the state do to provide public goods?

Prepare for the Political Science Citizen Interactions Test with our comprehensive multiple-choice quiz. Discover insights through flashcards, question hints, and detailed explanations to boost your test readiness and ace your exam!

The correct choice relates to the idea that in order for a state to provide public goods—services that benefit the public and are typically underfunded by the private sector—it often needs to leverage debt. George Washington, in his perspectives on fiscal responsibility, acknowledged the necessity of funding essential services that support the general welfare of the populace. When revenues from taxes are insufficient to cover the costs of providing these public goods, taking on debt becomes a viable option to ensure that these services remain accessible and functional, without disrupting the immediate provision of necessary services.

By borrowing, a state can finance initiatives like infrastructure, education, and public safety that might not be funded sufficiently by tax revenues alone. This approach allows for continued investment in public welfare, stimulating economic growth and maintaining social stability, while managing the financial burden over time rather than imposing immediate tax hikes or deep spending cuts that could harm public service delivery or the economy as a whole.

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