How many government shutdowns has the U.S. had in the past half century?

GoPo Lessons

Sep 28

Friday Current Event

Critical Analysis

Find answers to the following questions using the visual above, your big brain, the information provided and any links below:

Congress appears to be on track to trigger a government shutdown on October 1, 2023, because it is not expected to pass the 12 appropriations bills that fund government operations before the start of the new fiscal year. According to the data from the visual above, How many 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. 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.
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?
Based on the visual below* how does political party identification impact who Americans blame for the possible government shutdown?
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?
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 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.