👩🏾‍⚖️ap us government review

Flat tax

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2027 exam
Verified for the 2027 examWritten by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025

Definition

An income tax system that applies the same proportional percentage to every taxpayer’s taxable income, eliminating graduated brackets and marginal rate increases. Advocates claim it simplifies compliance and encourages work and investment, while critics argue it shifts burdens onto lower-income households and reduces the progressivity of the tax system.

AP course connection

Topic 4.9: 4.9 Ideology and Economic Policy

Unit 4