How many times has the U.S. government ever shut down?
Friday Current Event
Data Scavenger Hunt
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above:
Congress appears to be on track to trigger a government shutdown on October 1, 2023. How many government shutdowns has the U.S. had?
According to the chart above, what year had the largest number of government shutdowns?
The 2 government shutdowns in 2018 were the longest in American history. How many days was the government shutdown in 2018?
Based on the visual below* how does political party identification (membership) impact who Americans blame for the possible government shutdown?
What decade had the most government shutdowns?
Big Brain Questions
Answer these questions by yourself using your brain and the links below:
During shutdowns, many federal employees are told not to report for work. Government employees who provide what are deemed essential services, such as air traffic control and law enforcement, continue to work, but don’t get paid until Congress takes action to end the shutdown. Shutdowns can be disruptive, leading to delays in processing applications for passports, small business loans, or government benefits; shuttered visitor centers and bathrooms at national parks; fewer food-safety inspections; and various inconveniences. I will be flying on Monday and if there is a government shutdown my travel plans may be disrupted. Describe how you imagine the government shutdown will impact you.
In June 2023, with the backing of Republican leaders in the House and Senate, Congress passed and President Biden signed the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which set limits on annual appropriated spending for the fiscal years 2024 (which begins October 1, 2023) and 2025. The Senate Appropriations Committee has followed through on the spending levels set in the Fiscal Responsibility Act and has passed all 12 appropriations bills with bipartisan support. But House Republicans want to spend less than the levels specified in the Fiscal Responsibility Act which they agreed to in June. If the House does not follow through on their deal the government will shut down on October 1. Explain who you will blame if the government shuts down?
“We should not fear a government shutdown," Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., declared at an event outside the Capitol this week. "Most of the American people won't even miss it if the government is shut down temporarily." Explain whether you agree with Representative Good.
Make a claim about whether government shutdowns are a result of a well-functioning political system.
Explain whether a government shutdown would make you more or less likely to vote in 2024.
Write and Discuss
Take ten minutes to write about the question at the top of the page and then discuss with your classmates.
Act on your Learning
Contact officials from your federal government and let them know what you think about the looming government shutdown.
Get Creative
Hypothetically, the United States government could shut down and never reopen. Imagine and creatively explore life in America without a government.
