Question

How does Roosevelt suggest the burden of supporting the government should be distributed?

a) Concentrated solely on the wealthy class
b) Equally among all citizens
c) Primarily on the working class
d) Proportionally based on income and ability to pay

Answer 1

Roosevelt suggested that the burden of supporting the government should be distributed proportionally based on income and ability to pay, as demonstrated through the Revenue Act of 1935 which raised taxes for the wealthiest Americans.

Step-by-step explanation:

President Franklin D. Roosevelt suggested that the burden of supporting the government should be distributed proportionally based on income and ability to pay. This viewpoint aligns with progressive taxation principles where tax rates increase with income, thus placing a greater burden on those who have the means to pay more. The Revenue Act of 1935, under Roosevelt’s administration, enacted significant tax hikes for the wealthiest Americans, indicating his belief in this system. In contrast to equal taxation, which would demand the same percentage of income from all regardless of their financial situation, Roosevelt's approach sought to mitigate the impact on the lower and middle classes while ensuring that the wealthy contributed a fairer share relative to their economic advantages.