"governments would sell monopolies on the import or production of things in exchange for a lump sum" Still happens: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/port-leases-garne

"governments would sell monopolies on the import or production of things in exchange for a lump sum" Still happens: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/port-leases-garner-5-billion-windfall-for-state-government-20130412-2hq7k.html http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/port-leases-garner-5-billion-windf...