It is due to it being the application of political science. It does not permit failed policies to be continued fruitlessly year after year with idealistic fervour, it is next to impossible for anyone surrounded by fierce libertarian critics to continue clinging on to lies. It is a purely functional machine, lubricated with justice and fueled by free speech.
#311, are you sure about how much of your yearly wealth gets sucked into the government via all levels of taxation? You have to figure all income taxes (Fed, state and local), then all the other taxes on things you consume (fuels, sales, special local taxes, etc.), then certain government fees (licensing, etc.). You'd find that about 40% gets swallowed up by the government.
The average US citizen is overtaxed. There are certain levels of poor who "make out" on it due to EITC, but they also pay other taxes (consumption and licensing). The wealthy are subject to rather heavy taxes (at least, those who don't indulge in many tax shelters, either legal, illegal or IRS-gray-era). Overall, our levels of government form a 40% monster on our backs. That well exceeds the Medieval tithes.