How many government shutdowns has the U.S. had in the past half century?
Critical Analysis
Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, your big brain, the information provided and any links below:
A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass or the president refuses to sign a spending bill to fund the federal government’s operations. This results in a funding gap that can cause several government functions to be temporarily disrupted. If a spending agreement is not reached soon, the government will shutdown on October 1, 2025. According to the data from the visual above, how many government shutdowns has the U.S. had in the past half century?
According to the data from the visual above, how many days long was the longest government shutdowns has the U.S. had in the past half century?
Under the Antideficiency Act (initially passed in 1884 and amended in 1950), federal agencies cannot spend money without an appropriation (A law of Congress that provides an agency with money) from Congress. When Congress fails to enact the 12 annual appropriation bills, federal agencies must cease all non-essential functions until Congress acts. This is known as a government shutdown. According to the chart above, what year had the largest number of government shutdowns?
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. Describe how a government shutdown would impact you.
Benefits such as Social Security and Medicare continue to flow because they are authorized by Congress in laws that do not need annual approval (although the services offered by Social Security benefit offices may be limited during a shutdown). In addition, the Treasury can continue to pay interest on U.S. Treasury debt on time. The 2 government shutdowns in 2018 were the longest in American history. How many days was the government shutdown in 2018?
The threat of a government shutdown has become a recurring event in Washington, though most of the time lawmakers and the president are able to head it off. This time, however, prospects for a last-minute compromise look rather bleak. Republicans have crafted a short-term measure to fund the government through Nov. 21, but Democrats have insisted that the measure address their concerns on health care. They want to reverse the Medicaid cuts in President Donald Trump's mega-bill passed this summer as well as extend tax credits that make health insurance premiums more affordable for millions who purchase through the marketplaces established by the Affordable Care Act. Republicans say that's all a non-starter. Neither side is showing any signs of budging, with the House not even expected to be in session before a shutdown has begun. Government shutdowns are often resolved by Congress passing continuing resolutions, which provide short-term funding while negotiations for a long-term solution continue. Every shutdown since 1990 has been ended with a continuing resolution. What do you think could happen to make the very polarized Democratic and Republican parties compromise and pass a continuing resolution?
Madison wrote in Federalist No. 51, that in order to avoid a tyranny, “ambition must be made to counteract ambition.” Explain whether you think our system of government has countered ambition too much.
How does the potential government shutdown illustrate the concept of checks and balances?
“We should not fear a government shutdown," Rep. Bob Good, R-Va., declared at an event outside the Capitol. "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.
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
Imagine there was a real government shutdown. List five ways that would actually impact people in your life and community.
