Final answer:
Liu Bang's centralized government in the Han dynasty led to decreased taxes and lighter penalties for crime.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liu Bang's centralized government in the Han dynasty had a significant impact on taxes and penalties for crime. Instead of increasing taxes and imposing harsher penalties as an authoritarian government might be expected to do, Liu Bang actually lowered taxes and implemented lighter penalties for crime. This approach was aimed at gaining the support of the commoners and was based on the belief that a well-supported state relies on the well-being and satisfaction of its citizens.