small government

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small government" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in political discourse to refer to a government that has limited powers and responsibilities, often advocating for less regulation and lower taxes. Example: "Many voters support the idea of a small government that prioritizes individual freedoms and economic growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

Small government!

The Economist

Those who like small government.

The Economist

She got by on small government contracts.

The New Yorker

"Republicans claim they want small government.

The Guardian

CAN I.B.M. turn small government into big business?

The New York Times

Seven out of ten prefer small government to big government.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Then there are the small-government conservatives.

The New York Times

Small-government conservatives hate his lax spending.

The Economist

Voters are rejecting anti-tax, small-government tickets.

The Economist

The concept of a "mandate" irks the small-government Republicans.

The Economist

His tax policies appealed to small-government conservatism.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When advocating for "small government", specify which government functions should be reduced or eliminated to avoid ambiguity and address potential concerns about essential services.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "small government" is universally seen as positive. Acknowledge potential downsides, such as reduced social services or infrastructure investments, and explain how these challenges will be addressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small government" functions as a noun phrase that typically acts as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a political ideology or policy goal related to limiting the size and scope of governmental power. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "small government" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used in political and economic discussions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it refers to a political ideology advocating for limited government intervention. It's most frequently encountered in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki contexts. While alternatives like "limited government" or "minimal government" exist, "small government" remains a widely recognized and utilized term. When using this phrase, it's crucial to clearly specify which government functions should be reduced and acknowledge potential criticisms to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited government

Emphasizes restrictions on governmental power and intervention.

minimal government

Highlights the idea of reducing government to its most essential functions.

reduced government spending

Focuses specifically on decreasing the financial resources allocated to government activities.

deregulation

Points to the removal or reduction of government regulations in specific sectors.

laissez-faire economics

Refers to an economic system with minimal government intervention in the market.

free market economy

Highlights an economic system where prices are determined by supply and demand, with limited government intervention.

fiscal conservatism

Emphasizes the importance of balanced budgets and low government debt.

smaller state

Suggests a reduction in the size and scope of government activities.

devolution of power

Implies transferring power from a central government to local or regional authorities.

government downsizing

Focuses on reducing the number of government employees and agencies.

FAQs

What does the term "small government" mean in political discourse?

In political discourse, "small government" generally refers to a political philosophy advocating for limited government intervention in the economy and individual lives. It often includes lower taxes, deregulation, and reduced government spending.

What are some potential synonyms for "small government"?

Some potential synonyms for "small government" include "limited government", "minimal government", and "reduced government spending", depending on the specific context.

How does the concept of "small government" relate to economic policy?

The concept of "small government" is often associated with free-market economic policies, such as deregulation and lower taxes, with the goal of promoting economic growth through private sector activity.

What are some criticisms of the "small government" approach?

Criticisms of the "small government" approach often include concerns about reduced social safety nets, inadequate funding for public services, and potential for increased inequality.