adam smith, the wealth of nations, 1776 question which of the following best summarizes the perspective of adam smith in the passage? responses a strong centralized government is necessary to maintain economic order. a strong centralized government is necessary to maintain economic order. lowering taxes increases investment and allows the free market to flourish. lowering taxes increases investment and allows the free market to flourish. the government should not be used to promote manufacturing. the government should not be used to promote manufacturing. civil liberties limit the power of the federal government to regulate the economy.