>pre-revolution Americans paid far far less in tax. If you are estimating the invasiveness of government in taxes, you are wrong. We are talking about regulat

>pre-revolution Americans paid far far less in tax. If you are estimating the invasiveness of government in taxes, you are wrong. We are talking about regulations. Back in the days, much of the big biz couldn't simply exist without a patronizing king and monopoly rights. Since you are talking about the US colony, let's take a look at the East India Company as an example. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_India_Company https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_India_Company It was allowed by the Queen, since none busyness could be started without it. It was frequently intervened by the crown, despite the crown had no share. Back in the days the king had almost ultimate rule over any busyness, and could establish monopolies like this: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_copyright_law#Early_privileges_and_monopolies https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_copyright_law#Early... >Early copyright privileges were called "monopolies," particularly during the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who frequently gave grants of monopolies in articles of common use, such as salt, leather, coal, soap, cards, beer, and wine. The practice was continued until the Statute of Monopolies was enacted in 1623, ending most monopolies, with certain exceptions, such as patents; after 1623, grants of Letters patent to publishers became common.