This Chart Is For Anyone Who Thinks The US Has A High Level of Government Spending [View all]

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http://www.businessinsider.com/this-chart-is-for-anyone-who-thinks-the-us-has-a-high-level-of-government-spending-2013-1

As we pointed out yesterday, the idea that the US pays a lot in taxes in objectively false on a global basis. Americans pay relatively little compared to most countries.

Now from Deutsche Bank is a chart that shows the US doesn't spend very much, either, at least compared to other major developed nations.



A couple of interesting things to note.
One is that Germany is usually considered a model of austerity and restraint, and it spends way more than the US days.
The other thing that's surprising is that Japan is usually considered model of reckless profligacy, and it spends less as a share of GDP than the US does.