The Federal Budget: Taxes and Spending


Civics The American Economy The Federal Budget: Taxes and Spending
Students learn about the federal budgeting process and define the types of revenue and spending. Then they evaluate the effects of a government shutdown on the economy. Next, they contrast the types of revenue at the three levels of government and conclude how taxes might contribute to the economy.

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Here are the teacher pack items for The Federal Budget: Taxes and Spending:

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Overview

In this experience, students learn about the federal budgeting process and define the types of revenue and spending. Then they evaluate the effects of a government shutdown on the economy. Next, they contrast the types of revenue at the three levels of government and conclude how taxes might contribute to the economy.

The federal budget was also covered in the experiences:

  • “Budgeting Your Money,” which compared mandatory and discretionary spending to fixed and variable household expenses
  • “The Government and Income Inequality,” which examined entitlement programs and mandatory spending

 

Objectives

  • Describe the federal government’s budget process.
  • Explain how the federal budget reflects priorities.
  • Describe how state and local taxes and spending are independent of the federal government budget.


Engage


photograph of the Capitol building at night

U.S. Capitol Building


Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power of the purse, which in other words is the power to spend, collect revenue, and borrow. The Constitution states that each chamber may “determine the Rules of its Proceedings,” and it does not establish any procedures for budget-related legislation. Congress has developed rules and practices to govern the process. In this lesson, you will learn about the federal budget process and other issues related to the federal budget.

Objectives

  • Describe the federal government’s budget process.
  • Explain how the federal budget reflects priorities.
  • Describe how state and local taxes and spending are independent of the federal government budget.

Did you know that every time you make a purchase you pay a tax? You choose a candy bar that costs 99 cents, but when you check out the cost might actually be $1.08. The difference is a sales tax. The rate of this tax varies depending on where you live. In five states there is no sales tax, while some cities also have one.


What other types of taxes can you name? To list multiple taxes, separate them with a comma like this: cent, dollar.

Post your answer

Sample answers: income tax, property tax, payroll tax, inheritance tax, excise tax (gasoline, cigarettes, alcohol, etc.)


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The Complete List of Learning Experiences in The American Economy Unit.
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