How do other countries manage the distribution of taxes between federal, provincial and municipal governing bodies? Also, do they allow their politicians to set their own wages and benefits?
Outside of Nova Scotia, which piggy backs on the federal income tax system, some other provinces follow a structure where the federal government collects income and corporate taxes, while provinces have the authority to levy their own income taxes, sales taxes, and other fees. Municipalities typically rely on property taxes and grants from higher levels of government to keep the lights on and the roads paved.
Crossing the border into the United States, you'll find a similar yet distinct setup. The federal government collects income and payroll taxes, among others, while states impose their own income and sales taxes. Local governments, including counties and cities, often depend on property taxes and local sales taxes to fund services.
Germany and UK are close to the same. France is federally centralized.
Almost all representative democracies have checks and balances on the pay of elected officals.
I like the US congressional system. They can vote in wage changed but they can't take place until after the next election. That means voters have their say on changes and new candidates can effectively bid on the job.
The truth is though, in spite of all the fuss, politicians pay is barely a rounding error in most government's budgets and is more a distraction than an issue. Increasingly few qualified candidates would take these terrible jobs at any pay.
How do other countries manage the distribution of taxes between federal, provincial and municipal governing bodies? Also, do they allow their politicians to set their own wages and benefits?
Outside of Nova Scotia, which piggy backs on the federal income tax system, some other provinces follow a structure where the federal government collects income and corporate taxes, while provinces have the authority to levy their own income taxes, sales taxes, and other fees. Municipalities typically rely on property taxes and grants from higher levels of government to keep the lights on and the roads paved.
Crossing the border into the United States, you'll find a similar yet distinct setup. The federal government collects income and payroll taxes, among others, while states impose their own income and sales taxes. Local governments, including counties and cities, often depend on property taxes and local sales taxes to fund services.
Germany and UK are close to the same. France is federally centralized.
Almost all representative democracies have checks and balances on the pay of elected officals.
I like the US congressional system. They can vote in wage changed but they can't take place until after the next election. That means voters have their say on changes and new candidates can effectively bid on the job.
The truth is though, in spite of all the fuss, politicians pay is barely a rounding error in most government's budgets and is more a distraction than an issue. Increasingly few qualified candidates would take these terrible jobs at any pay.
Popcorn is popping