DBQ

Defense: Provide for the common defense.

We need a military to protect the country from enemies.

Approximately what percent of the budget goes to paying interest on money the US government owes? Does this part of the budget address any of the goals laid out in the Preamble? Explain.

interest on the debt is about 6% of the federal budget. It does not address any of the goals. These payments only go to people or places that loaned the money to the government

Interest on debt: All of the five purposes are included.

In order to meet these five goals, the government has always had to borrow money in addition to collecting taxes.

What were the three largest expenditures in the federal budget in 2012? Together, about how much of the budget did they make up? How much money was that?

Medicare and Medicaid, Social Security, and Defense. They make up just a little more than 60% of the budget. About $2.4 trillion.

What budget categories make up the "Big Five"?

Medicare, Medicaid, and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), Social Security, Defense, Safety Net Programs, and Interest on the national debt.

Veterans' benefits and services

Mostly disability benefits and medical services

What do you think is the most important spending change to be made in this cluster? That is,which budget category most needs an increase or a decrease? How will you reallocate this money elsewhere in the budget to offset the change? With the Preamble in mind, explain your thinking.

You move money out of social security because it is not part of the general fund. It has it's own taxes to fund it. I would like to reduce defense spending and pay down the debt enough to pay down the interest payments.

Justice

Federal prisons, the federal court system, and enforcement programs

Education

College aid and loans, special education programs, free lunch to students in need, anti-discrimination efforts, research, special programs

What was the federal budget in the fiscal year 2012?

$3.8 trillion

Which Preamble objective is addressed by each of the Big Five budget categories?

(A budget category may fit more than one Preamble goal.)

Together, the Big Five make up what percentage of the $3.8 trillion 2012 federal budget?

82%

Transportation

Construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, airports, and ports

What parts of the federal budget come as the biggest surprise? Explain.

I am surprised about how little money goes to research and the national park service.

Homeland Security

Includes border patrol and immigration enforcement, Coast Guard, Secret Service, TSA (airport security), and FEMA (emergencies like Hurricane Katrina)

Medicare and Medicaid: Promote the general welfare

Support for good health coverage is part of the general welfare and helps people to live a good life.

Safety net programs: Promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty

Safety net programs help people recover from problems that keep them from life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Social Security: Promote the general welfare

Social security helps maintain the income security of the elderly and disabled citizens.