Understanding the Federal Budget
A Grade 9 social studies worksheet on the US federal budget, covering revenue, expenditures, and the budget process.
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Understanding the Federal Budget
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Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability. Use complete sentences for short answer questions.
1. Which of the following is the largest source of revenue for the U.S. federal government?
Corporate income taxes
Individual income taxes
Excise taxes
Customs duties
2. What is the main purpose of the federal budget?
To track state spending
To plan government revenue and expenditures
To manage household finances
To invest in private businesses
3. A budget occurs when government expenditures exceed its revenues.
4. The largest category of federal spending is typically spending, which includes programs like Social Security and Medicare.
5. The President has the sole authority to approve the federal budget.
True
False
6. Discretionary spending refers to government spending that is required by existing laws.
True
False
7. Briefly explain the difference between mandatory and discretionary spending in the federal budget.
8. Describe one way the federal budget impacts the daily lives of citizens.
Examine the infographic below which shows a breakdown of the federal budget. Answer the following question based on your observations.
9. Based on the infographic, identify the top two categories of federal spending. Do these categories align with your understanding of mandatory or discretionary spending? Explain.