NUMBER OF FEDERAL SUBSIDY PROGRAMS TOPS 1,800

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Federal spending is growing by leaps and bounds. The budget hit $3.9 trillion this year, double the level of spending just eight years ago. The government is also increasing the scope of its activities, intervening in many areas that used to be left to state and local governments, businesses, charities, and individuals. For example:

• By 2008, there were 1,804 different subsidy programs in the federal budget.
• Hundreds of programs were added this decade -- ranging from a $62 billion prescription drug plan to a $1 million anti-drug education grant -- and the recent stimulus bill added even more.

We are in the midst of the largest federal gold rush since the 1960s, says Edwards. In recent years, the range of federal control over society has widened as politicians of both parties have supported nationalizing many formerly state, local, and private activities.

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