Final answer:
The tax burden on American citizens is generally lower than that of citizens in other democratic countries. The U.S. has a progressive tax system, but with considerations like the regressive nature of Social Security tax and decreased audit rates for high earners.
Step-by-step explanation:
By comparison with most other democratic countries, the tax burden on American citizens is lower than that of other countries' citizens. The United States is known for having a progressive tax system, meaning those who earn more pay a higher rate of income tax. This system is considered more progressive than many other countries. However, even with a progressive tax structure in place, the overall tax burden—which includes individual income taxes, corporate taxes, and social security taxes—is generally lower in the U.S. when compared with other high-income countries.
There is a noteworthy point about the U.S. tax system's progressiveness: Social Security tax is considered regressive because it is not levied on income above a certain threshold, which disproportionately affects lower-income earners compared to wealthier individuals. The U.S. government also spends less on social welfare compared to other democracies, despite the progressive nature of its tax system. Additionally, recent trends have shown a decrease in the likelihood of tax audits, especially among high-income earners, due to reduced government resources dedicated to enforcement.