“To prevent government from becoming corrupt and tyrannous, its organization and methods should be as simple as possible, its functions be restricted to those necessary to the common welfare, and in all its parts it should be kept as close to the people and as directly within their control as may be.”

—  Henry George

Source: Social Problems (1883), Ch. 17 : The Functions of Government

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Henry George 61
American economist 1839–1897

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