POLL TAX Meaning and
Definition
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A poll tax refers to a form of tax imposed on individuals within a specific jurisdiction, typically as a flat rate, regardless of their income level or property ownership. It is a system where each person is required to pay an equal amount of money as a levy or tribute to the government. Historically, poll taxes have been imposed by governments for various reasons, such as funding public services, supporting infrastructure development, or as a means of enforcing social or political control.
However, the term "poll tax" is more commonly associated with a specific type of tax that was particularly contentious and discriminatory. In many regions, a poll tax was implemented as a tool of voter suppression or to unfairly burden marginalized groups, such as lower-income individuals or racial minorities. By requiring all voters to pay a specific amount of money before participating in an election, these taxes created barriers to voting and a means of excluding certain segments of the population from the political process.
Notably, the poll tax was abolished or significantly reduced in many countries due to opposition and social movements advocating for equal suffrage rights. The elimination of the poll tax played a pivotal role in ensuring greater democratic participation and equal representation in electoral systems.
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A sum of money exacted from each person or head as a tax.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POLL TAX
- ooll tax
- loll tax
- -oll tax
- 0oll tax
- pill tax
- pkll tax
- plll tax
- ppll tax
- p0ll tax
- p9ll tax
- pokl tax
- popl tax
- pool tax
- polk tax
- poll yax
- polltax
- poll ax
Etymology of POLL TAX
The word "poll tax" comes from the Middle English term "poll" which means "head" or "top of the head". The term originally referred to a tax that was levied on each individual, usually based on one's headcount or per person. In this context, "poll" refers to the person's head as a symbol of their individuality. Over time, the term "poll tax" specifically came to refer to a fixed tax imposed on every individual, regardless of their income, property, or other factors.
Similar spelling words for POLL TAX
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