--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Government is able to afford a…" description: "\"The Government is able to afford a suitable army and a suitable navy. It may maintain them without the slightest danger to the Republic or the cause of..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f19/william-howard-taft-3006_able_the-government-is-able-to-afford-a-suita_2884518.jpg" --- # The Government is able to afford a suitable army and a… ![“The Government is able to afford a suitable army and a suitable navy. It may maintain them without the slightest danger to the Republic or the cause of free institutions, and fear of additional taxation ought not to change a proper policy in this regard.” quote by William Howard Taft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f19/william-howard-taft-3006_able_the-government-is-able-to-afford-a-suita_2884518.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f19/william-howard-taft-3006_able_the-government-is-able-to-afford-a-suita_2884518.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/f19/william-howard-taft-3006_able_the-government-is-able-to-afford-a-suita_2884518.jpg) > “The Government is able to afford a suitable army and a suitable navy. It may maintain them without the slightest danger to the Republic or the cause of free institutions, and fear of additional taxation ought not to change a proper policy in this regard.” [William Howard Taft](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-howard-taft/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. A strong military can be maintained without heavy taxation, preserving liberty and free institutions. **In simple terms:** Maintain defense without heavy taxes. Key Takeaway Balance security and fiscal responsibility. Themes defense economics freedom Mood formal serious Type political historical When to use this quote - government budgeting - military policy - taxation debate Key Concepts Political theory public finance Questions to Reflect On - How to ensure fair tax distribution? - What are the limits of military spending? A Different Perspective Neglecting defense may risk security. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Army](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/army/) [Danger](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/danger/) [Fear](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/fear/) [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Institutions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/institutions/) [Navy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/navy/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Republic](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/republic/) [Taxation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/taxation/) ## Related quotes > [My view is that taxation ought to be based upon ability to pay.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-madigan/my-view-is-that-taxation-ought-to-be-based-upon-ability-to-pay/) Michael Madigan > [OUT-OF-DOORS, n. That part of one's environment upon which no government has been able to collect taxes. 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