Federal Spending Quiz

What is the total projected federal spending for the year 2023?

• $5.1 trillion

• $6.1 trillion

• $7.1 trillion

• $8.1 trillion

Which of the following is NOT one of the three categories into which federal spending is divided?

• Mandatory

• Discretionary

• Interest

• Military

What does Social Security provide payments for?

• Retired and disabled workers, their spouses, dependent children, and survivors

• Only retired workers

• Only disabled workers

• Only dependent children

Which of the following programs provides pensions, income support, and other benefits for those who previously served in the military?

• Federal Retirement Programs

• Veterans' Programs

• Social Security

• Income Security

What does the term "mandatory" mean in the context of federal spending?

• Spending that cannot be altered by lawmakers

• Spending that is fixed and unchangeable

• Spending that can be adjusted by elected officials

• Spending that is determined by the President alone

What percentage of the federal budget was spent on mandatory programs in 1973?

• 53%

• 40%

• 61%

• 28%

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), what is the projected percentage of federal spending on mandatory programs in 2053?

• 53%

• 40%

• 61%

• 59%

Which programs have primarily contributed to the increase in spending for mandatory programs over time?

• Education and Infrastructure

• Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid

• Defense and Transportation

• Research and Development

What is discretionary spending?

• Spending that is automatically determined each year

• Spending that is determined on an annual basis by Congress and the President

• Spending that does not require annual approval

• Spending that is fixed and cannot be changed

Which committee is responsible for handling discretionary spending?

• Budget Committee

• Appropriations Committee

• Finance Committee

• Ways and Means Committee