The United States is known to many as the land of the free, home of the brave. The country has been a place where people can be free to express themselves, live without fear of government persecution and a country that welcomes immigrants from all over the world. In the formation of this great nation laws were created to connect with the citizens who want law and order, respect those who need a voice and protect people from danger. The laws created in the United States not only keep the citizens safe, but they keep people from doing disorderly things. In the midst of the creation of laws, there has been an effect on the United States deficit. Unless you have been involved in a law enforcement education program, you are probably unaware of how laws interact with the deficit. It’s important to understand the history of how laws affect the United States deficit.
The Civil War
This was one of the worst wars in American History that resulted in slavery being outlawed. Ending slavery was a loss of tax revenue for the south. It was a great benefit to the country to have slavery ended and a nation where all citizens can be free. Former slaves were able to earn money and add to the country’s wealth in one side, but there was deficit on another.
Prohibition
This was one of the toughest laws created in American History. Prohibition made liquor sales illegal. It was hard to enforce. Countless films and documentaries have been made about prohibition because of its controversy. The United States deficit was affected because by outlawing alcoholic beverage sales, there was no money for the government to make. Businessmen, mafia families and individuals began selling illegal bootleg liquor underground. More police power had to be used to try to bust the bootleg liquor rings. It cost taxpayers more money to try to keep this rule going. Laws concerning liquor were eventually created so sales and taxes could be collected by the government in a fair and organized manner.
Safe Driving Laws
In many states across the country, there are fees, punishments and penalties for driving without a seat belt, child safety seat and or driving with a cell phone. While these laws start at the state and city government level, ultimately a portion of the money will get paid into the federal government. This money will help lower debt in individual communities and helps them operate with less government money. The safe driving laws are a great way to save lives and protect people. The perk of bringing in money to help municipalities is a secondary benefit, and affects the county’s deficit on a lower level.
Our legal system, police and military all affect the debt the country accrues and the money that it gains. These are just a few examples of laws that have had a positive effect on the United States deficit. However, they have played major roles in this process.