Congress' Joint Economic Committee has just published a small book of charts which compares the U.S. economy at the beginning and end of the 20th century.

While there is much good news, two pieces of bad news stand out when it comes to government in the U.S.:

Total federal, state and local taxes as a share of the economy registered 6.4% at the start of the 20th century, but have grown to reach 29.2% at the close of the century.

State and local government expenditures accounted for 66% of total government at the start of the century, with the federal government expanding to 68% by the close.
More taxes, more government, and more centralized government--these are some of the glaring negatives marking the 20th century when it comes to how government in the U.S. has changed. Unfortunately, nobody seems to be talking about reversing this ugly trend in the coming century.