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# Civil Government Expense in Colonies

## Definition

The relatively modest cost of maintaining colonial administrative structures, including governors, judges, and basic public works, typically funded through moderate local taxation rather than imperial subsidies. This expense was proportionally much smaller than military defense costs.

## Source Chapter

Book IV, Chapter 7

## Context

Smith uses the low cost of colonial civil government to argue that colonies could afford to contribute more to imperial expenses. He contrasts this with the high costs of military defense and monopoly maintenance, suggesting that colonies could support both their own administration and a fair share of imperial costs.

## Economic Domain

Regulation

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