Government Budget Analysis
A worksheet for Grade 12 Social Studies students to analyze the components and implications of a government budget.
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Government Budget Analysis
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Read each question carefully and provide thoughtful answers based on your understanding of government budgets and economic principles. Use complete sentences and specific examples where appropriate.
1. Which of the following is considered a discretionary spending item in a government budget?
Social Security benefits
Interest payments on national debt
Funding for national defense
Medicare payments
2. A government budget deficit occurs when:
Government revenue exceeds spending.
Government spending exceeds revenue.
Government revenue equals spending.
The national debt is paid off.
3. The primary source of revenue for most governments is .
4. When a government continuously runs budget deficits, it leads to an increase in the .
5. Mandatory spending in a government budget can be easily adjusted by Congress each year.
True
False
6. A balanced budget means that government expenditures are equal to its revenues for a given fiscal year.
True
False
7. Explain the difference between a budget deficit and the national debt.
8. Describe two potential economic consequences of a persistent government budget surplus.
Match each term on the left with its definition on the right.
9. Fiscal Policy
a. The sum of all past government borrowing.
10. National Debt
b. Government decisions about taxation and spending.
11. Entitlement Programs
c. Government programs providing benefits to qualified individuals.