Can We Throw Off the Yoke of Government?

 The significant expansion of the U.S. government workforce over the centuries and explores the economic implications of this growth. It argues that the increasing size of government has created a system that benefits those in the public sector while burdening taxpayers.

1. Historical Growth:

In 1789, the federal payroll was minimal, but the workforce has grown to approximately 4.5 million federal employees, including contractors.

With state and local employees included, around 25 million Americans work in government sectors, representing about 20% of the workforce.

2. Higher Compensation:

Federal employees earn significantly more than private-sector workers, especially those without college degrees, with average earnings around $112,000 and total compensation reaching $150,000 to $175,000.

Government jobs often come with better benefits, job security, and fewer working hours compared to private-sector roles.

3. Compensation Structure:

Government employees receive automatic salary increases, making it easier for them to accumulate compensation compared to private-sector workers, who may need to negotiate or switch jobs for raises.

This leads to higher costs for government employment, which must be funded through taxes and potentially results in economic imbalances.

4. Consequences of Inefficiency:

Inefficiency in government can have dire outcomes, illustrated by an incident where air traffic control failures resulted in a fatal accident due to understaffing and poor scheduling.

The systemic issues within government create incentives for maintaining programs and positions even when they are unnecessary.

5. Growth of Government as a System:

Over time, government has developed into a self-sustaining ecosystem, where each expansion increases dependency on continued funding and benefits.

The relationship between government employees and elected officials can lead to conflicts of interest that prioritize job security over efficiency.

The article asserts that as government continues to grow, the economic burden on citizens increases, leading to a “yoke” of dependency. To address this issue, Americans must recognize the need for comprehensive reforms, including zero-based budgeting, to tackle waste and inefficiency, ultimately aiming for a freer, more prosperous future.

https://www.americanthinker.com/articles/2026/09/can-we-throw-off-the-yoke-of-government/