If the taxes by state and local governments were combined with the federal tax system, the overall tax structure in the U.S. would best be characterized as

A) progressive.
B) highly regressive.
C) slightly regressive.
D) proportional.

Progressive

Describes policies or ideologies favoring social reform, innovation, and gradual improvements over time, often in the context of taxation, societal change, or politics.

Regressive

Refers to policies or measures that disproportionately affect those with lower incomes, often making them bear a larger relative burden.

Proportional

A relationship between two quantities where the ratio remains constant.