Understanding the Federal Budget Process

The federal budget process is a participatory effort involving Congress and the President, reflecting the priorities of Americans. The President submits a budget request, which Congress debates and modifies through various committees. The final budget is signed into law by the President. However, recent practices like continuing resolutions and omnibus budgets bypass this process, limiting public input. Citizens are encouraged to hold lawmakers accountable and learn more through resources like Federal Budget 101.

What is the primary role of Congress in the federal budget process?

• To approve the President's budget without changes

• To reflect the priorities of the President

• To create and approve budget plans that reflect the priorities of Americans

• To ensure the President's budget is implemented as is

What is the essential vision of democracy in the context of the federal budget?

• To protect the values of all Americans

• To ensure the budget is balanced

• To reflect the priorities of the President

• To reduce government spending

Who submits the initial budget request to Congress?

• The President

• The Senate

• The House of Representatives

• The Supreme Court

What is the role of appropriations committees in the budget process?

• To submit the budget request to Congress

• To approve the President's budget

• To draft the actual spending bills

• To resolve differences between House and Senate plans

What is a conference committee responsible for in the budget process?

• Submitting the budget to the President

• Approving the final budget

• Resolving differences between the House and Senate budget plans

• Drafting the initial budget request

What is the final step before the budget becomes law?

• Signing by the President

• Approval by the Senate

• Approval by the House of Representatives

• Approval by the Supreme Court

What has Congress relied on in recent years instead of the traditional budget process?

• Annual budget resolutions

• Continuing resolutions and omnibus budgets

• Presidential decrees

• State budgets

What is a consequence of using continuing resolutions and omnibus budgets?

• Increased public input

• Decreased opportunity for constituent input

• Faster budget approval

• More detailed budget plans

Why is it important to hold lawmakers accountable in the budget process?

• Because it speeds up the process

• Because it is a legal requirement

• Because the budget impacts all Americans

• Because the budget only affects government officials

Where can you learn more about the federal budget process?

• The Supreme Court website

• The Library of Congress

• Federal Budget 101 on NPP's website

• The White House website