It's all about power. It's really that simple. A huge amount of incomprehensible laws means that no matter what you do, you're probably breaking one. You just have to wait until the government decides you need to be targeted. Every totalitarian nation in history has followed this path. Mounds of unnecessary paperwork is one hallmark of tyranny.

A bureaucracy's first job is the preservation and growth of that bureaucracy.

^"Pournelle's Iron Law of Bureaucracy states that in any bureaucratic organization there will be two kinds of people: those who work to further the actual goals of the organization, and those who work for the organization itself. Examples in education would be teachers who work and sacrifice to teach children, vs. union representative who work to protect any teacher including the most incompetent.

The Iron Law states that in all cases, the second type of person will always gain control of the organization, and will always write the rules under which the organization functions."

- Jerry Pournelle^

^"Do this. Don't do that. Stay back in line. Where's tax receipt? Fill out form. Let's see license. Submit six copies. Exit only. No left turn. No right turn. Queue up and pay fine. Take back and get stamped. Drop dead - but first get permit."

- Manuel Garcia O'Kelly in The Moon is a Harsh Mistress^