4 - Public Finances and Private Interests

Summary

The sometimes problematic relationship between the private interests of citizens and the public interest of the republic was clearly evident in matters of public finance. The principle that citizens had a duty to pay their taxes was not disputed. There was a perceived connection between enjoying the benefits of eligibility to hold political office and having a duty to pay taxes, and to pay promptly. Taxation raised issues of justice and equity, of a fair distribution of the burden. There was also concern that public moneys gathered with such effort should be administered efficiently and honestly. All the republics identified the protection and promotion of commerce as a matter of public concern. Linked with healthy public revenues, as well as general prosperity, it was seen as fostering the welfare not just of a particular interest group, but of the whole republic.