SS: Executive Branch & Federal Budget

Deficit spending occurs when the federal government wants to...

• lower the national debt

• increase surpluses in the budget

• fund programs without raising taxes

• strengthen local and state governments

Which of these events happens first in the budget cycle?

• Congress adopts a budget resolution

• Federal bureaucrats prepare budget requests

• Legislators insert earmarks into appropriation bills.

• House and Senate budget committees hold hearings.

On which date does the federal fiscal year begin?

• January 1

• April 1

• July 1

• October 1

Which of the following is the largest source of federal revenue?

• corporate income taxes

• excise taxes

• individual income taxes

• payroll taxes

What is the largest category of federal discretionary spending?

• Defense

• Education

• Health

• Welfare

Which of these taxes is most likely to be regressive?

• A corporate income tax

• an estate tax

• an individual income tax

• sales tax

All of the following are examples of independent agencies except the

• Peace Corps

• Department of Justice

• National Endowment

• Environmental Protection Agency

What is the purpose of a continuing resolution?

• to combine 13 appropriation bills into one budget

• to keep the government working without a budget

• to set guidelines for congressional budget making

• to close congressional debate on appropriation bills

Richard Nixon angered Congress by abusing the presidential power of impoundment. This power allows a president to refuse to

• sign spending bills.

• spend appropriated funds.

• prepare a budget proposal.

• honor negotiated agreements.

Which of these is not a qualification for seeking the presidency?

• college graduate

• natural-born citizen

• at least 35 years old

• lived in the United States at least 14 years