There was no employer withholding originally. People wrote a check each year, which made the amounts very visible to each person. Employer withholding keeps it

There was no employer withholding originally. People wrote a check each year, which made the amounts very visible to each person. Employer withholding keeps it quiet and low-key so few resist the takings. "Current Tax Payment Act of 1943" https://lawcat.berkeley.edu/record/191355 https://lawcat.berkeley.edu/record/191355