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Our Foundations
The general framework of George's social philosophy is that the cause of social problems is the inequality of rights based on the view of Thomas Jefferson.
The problem Henry George addresses is the problem of involuntary poverty. He sees this problem essentially as one of unequal rights to land. His teaching is founded upon the right to use land, land being the whole material universe, the "reservoir" as he says, from which all production comes. Although we are many, the right to use land is still an equal right.
Henry George argues that the task of government is to secure these equal rights to land for everyone. However, George points out that observation of the institution of private property in land shows that it entails the very opposite of equal rights in land. In the social law of rent (the fact that productivity is enhanced by location) George finds an "adjustment" in nature that permits government to secure the equal right to land. For, if government took the value of locations, each would be left with land of equal value. By discouraging the holding of land for gain this charge would also permit all to use land.
The problem Henry George addresses is the problem of involuntary poverty. He sees this problem essentially as one of unequal rights to land. His teaching is founded upon the right to use land, land being the whole material universe, the "reservoir" as he says, from which all production comes. Although we are many, the right to use land is still an equal right.
Henry George argues that the task of government is to secure these equal rights to land for everyone. However, George points out that observation of the institution of private property in land shows that it entails the very opposite of equal rights in land. In the social law of rent (the fact that productivity is enhanced by location) George finds an "adjustment" in nature that permits government to secure the equal right to land. For, if government took the value of locations, each would be left with land of equal value. By discouraging the holding of land for gain this charge would also permit all to use land.
The value given by location is land value. If collected, taxes on production might be done away with. For that reason his proposal was called a 'single tax'. Some have reduced that proposal to some limited use of land value taxation.
Where land is held exclusively the occupant must pay for the social and natural advantages that constitutes the value of its location. Other land is common and subject to the equal right of all to use. The "market value" of such land and of those common services on it are captured in the value of land held exclusively.
George considered that the value of land would rise faster than wages & even interest on capital as a proportion of production. He also believed that it exceeded the needs of government and that it might be harnessed as a social fund, a kind of 'dividend' that restores work as a natural right than enforced as a social obligation to "get a job!", or a common wealth to elevate society to greater heights of civilisation.
Where land is held exclusively the occupant must pay for the social and natural advantages that constitutes the value of its location. Other land is common and subject to the equal right of all to use. The "market value" of such land and of those common services on it are captured in the value of land held exclusively.
George considered that the value of land would rise faster than wages & even interest on capital as a proportion of production. He also believed that it exceeded the needs of government and that it might be harnessed as a social fund, a kind of 'dividend' that restores work as a natural right than enforced as a social obligation to "get a job!", or a common wealth to elevate society to greater heights of civilisation.
A Brief History of the Association
The Association for Good Government began in September 1901 as the Sydney Single Tax League until 1913, when the name Free Trade and Land Values League was adopted. One of many organisations inspired by the influence of Progress and Poverty (1879) and by the visit of its author, Henry George, to Australia in 1890.
The familiar name taken by these organisations had been 'Single Tax Clubs'. Its founders, however, now chose a different name 'Free Trade and Land Values League, to represent its changing policies. That name generally alternated with 'NSW Henry George League' until 1965, when the name 'Association for Good Government' was adopted. At the same time, its magazine (founded in December 1905 as The Standard ) was renamed Good Government.
The organisation consolidated all Georgist organisations in Sydney into one. A.G. Huie, the first Secretary, made 'country visits' by car to collect subscriptions, speak at open-air meetings and maintain contact with members in outlying towns in NSW. Huie must hold something of a record since he became Secretary in 1901 and only retired in 1955. He also edited the journal.
The familiar name taken by these organisations had been 'Single Tax Clubs'. Its founders, however, now chose a different name 'Free Trade and Land Values League, to represent its changing policies. That name generally alternated with 'NSW Henry George League' until 1965, when the name 'Association for Good Government' was adopted. At the same time, its magazine (founded in December 1905 as The Standard ) was renamed Good Government.
The organisation consolidated all Georgist organisations in Sydney into one. A.G. Huie, the first Secretary, made 'country visits' by car to collect subscriptions, speak at open-air meetings and maintain contact with members in outlying towns in NSW. Huie must hold something of a record since he became Secretary in 1901 and only retired in 1955. He also edited the journal.
During its over 100 years of history, the Association has maintained a remarkably consistent set of activities, holding conferences, seminars, courses and committee meetings, keeping a journal and writing submissions to government and letters to the press and others upon issues as divergent as civil liberties, privatisation, and taxation.
At all times, it has held to the main concerns of its founders to bring to the attention of the public the importance of equal rights on the earth and an understanding of economic rent to social stability and prosperity.
In 2006 the Association formed a Branch in Canberra. It has conducted annual conferences.
At all times, it has held to the main concerns of its founders to bring to the attention of the public the importance of equal rights on the earth and an understanding of economic rent to social stability and prosperity.
In 2006 the Association formed a Branch in Canberra. It has conducted annual conferences.
Beginning in 2011, the Association expanded its network to the Asia-Pacific. It conducted its first overseas introductory seminars in the Philippines to the University of Asia and the Pacific. Struck a working relationship with the Atsumi Foundation and its projects, the Sekiguchi Global Research Association and Asia Futures Conference held in different parts of Asia and the Pacific. It has then participated in international conferences in Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Australia and the Philippines.
Who Have Endorsed Henry George's Thought?
Henry George was endorsed by a number of historical figures that catch many by surprise. See for yourselves who they are.
Who is Henry George?
From his restless youth as a high school dropout who joined a ship's mast crew to his last campaign for the mayoralty of New York City, the life of this self-educated journalist, publisher, author, economist & politician was an adventure. The influence of his literature and framework continues today.
Our Vision: A Political Economy For, Of & By Everyone
Our vision is simple and our mission is possible. Click on the picture below to discover.
Building Anew
Over two years into a pandemic, the eruption of a war that has not only
worsened the economic consequences of a widespread disease but has
revived an existential threat once thought dismissed in the last
decade of the 20th Century, the Association for Good Government faces
challenges in a spirit of hope and not despair.