1. Using multiple sources please provide an explanation for why the United States’ Federal Government is in debt. Please present several possible explanations for the problem. Address which explanations have the strongest arguments and which have the weakest arguments and why. (CT1 and CT 2)
2. Of the arguments that have been presented, which do you prefer and why? What are other possible factors that might influence our national debt, but are not addressed in your perspective? Based on your beliefs about the national debt what course of action do you think should be taken to decrease the debt? What are some possible reasons why you might be in error? (CT 3 and CT 4)
3. Assuming that the course of action you recommend is taken by the United States Government, what do you believe the consequences would be? Do not just think about the consequences it would have on the national debt, but also on the United States budget as a whole and the affect if would have on the day-to-day lives of average Americans (CT5).
1. Describe what the graphs look like visually. Pretend that the reader is not able to see the graphs and give as much detail as possible. (VL 1)
2. What information are the graphs presenting? What are the graphs telling you about? Take the information that is presented visually and communicate it to the reader in written form. (VL 2)
3. What does the information presented in these graphs mean for the United States Government and the country? How might government spending (outlays) affect the federal budget deficit? How might the federal budget deficit impact the economy (GDP) now, in the past or in the future? (VL 3)
American Government Common Assignment – Articles
The National Debt Dilemma at CFR.org https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/national-debt-dilemma
“Entitlement Spending Crisis Looms”: National Review article https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2018/03/19/entitlement-spending-crisis-ignored-debt-looms/
“2018 Republicans Growing Deficit” at Bloomberg https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2018-republicans-growing-deficit/
“US Military Budget Components Challenges Growth” at The Balance https://www.thebalance.com/u-s-military-budget-components-challenges-growth-3306320
“Current US Discretionary Federal Budget and Spending” at The Balance https://www.thebalance.com/current-us-discretionary-federal-budget-and-spending-3306308
