What is tax without representation?

Definition:

“Taxation without representation” is a slogan used to describe the government’s coercion to pay a tax without having the right to debate – such as through an elected representative – in the actions of that government.

How does taxation without representation work?

In the United States, the concept of taxation without representation dates back to the colonial period when settlers were angry at the British Parliament for imposing taxes on them while the settlers themselves had no representation in Parliament. Throughout U.S. history, other groups such as free Black men, women, and residents of certain territories have complained that they were still subjected to taxation without representation.

Examples of taxation without representation

Washington, D.C.:

Throughout history in the United States – and even today – various disenfranchised groups and individuals have criticized the fact that they are subjected to taxation without representation. Washington, D.C. is an example of taxation without representation in modern times. Residents of the capital pay federal taxes, but the District of Columbia has no voting power in Congress. Since the District of Columbia is not a state, it sends a non-voting delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives. Although this delegate can draft legislation, they cannot vote. Additionally, the District of Columbia cannot send anyone to the U.S. Senate, leaving it completely isolated from that legislative body.

Note: In Washington, D.C., license plates that bear the phrase “End Taxation Without Representation” at the bottom are issued by default for newly registered vehicles.

Residents of U.S. territories:

The United States has five permanently inhabited territories: American Samoa, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Like Washington, D.C., the five territories of the United States have no members in the U.S. Senate or the U.S. House of Representatives.

Free Black men:

For much of the nineteenth century, free Black men complained that they were subjected to taxation without representation, and they petitioned their governments for tax relief, receiving this relief in some cases. Other states that were petitioned chose not to use race as a qualification for voting.

Women:

It did not become unconstitutional to deny a citizen’s right to vote based on gender until the Nineteenth Amendment was ratified in 1920. Before the ratification of this amendment, many women appealed that they were subjected to taxation without representation. For example, in 1872, American social reformer and women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony toured speaking about “Is it a crime for a U.S. citizen to vote?” In this speech, she pointed out that she considered taxation without representation to be the reality when women were not allowed to vote:

“Women, who feel aggrieved by this kind of government, which levies taxes without representation … those half of the people who are left entirely at the mercy of the other half, in direct violation of the spirit and letter of the embellishments of the makers of this government, each one of which was built on the principle of non-discrimination and equality for all.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there still taxation without representation in the United States?

If you are a resident of Washington, D.C., you must pay federal income taxes, but you do not get a Senator or a Congress member who represents you. Minors are also taxed above a certain threshold but are not eligible to vote. In some states, felons lose their right to vote even after completing their prison term, but they are still required to pay taxes.

Why did settlers consider British taxes unfair?

American settlers were unable to vote for any of the legislators in London who determined how much they should pay in taxes and how those taxes should be used. This meant they were forced to pay and support a government that did not grant them a voice or representation.

Source:

https://www.thebalancemoney.com/what-is-taxation-without-representation-5213727