Why is it difficult for the federal government to make large cuts in spending?

Most of the government's costs are for wages for federal employees.

Most people oppose cuts for programs like foreign aid or the State Department, which make up most government spending.

The largest part of government spending is fixed and cannot be easily reduced.

A Constitutional amendment has limited the size of any spending cuts that can be passed by Congress during any one fiscal year.

Question

Social Studies

Kelly Wise

25 April, 06:31

Why is it difficult for the federal government to make large cuts in spending?

Most of the government's costs are for wages for federal employees.

Most people oppose cuts for programs like foreign aid or the State Department, which make up most government spending.

The largest part of government spending is fixed and cannot be easily reduced.

A Constitutional amendment has limited the size of any spending cuts that can be passed by Congress during any one fiscal year.

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Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Jack Li · Answer 1

The largest part of government spending is fixed and cannot be easily reduced was the reason behind the difficulty for the federal government to make large cuts in spending.

Explanation:

The US budget allocation is divided into different categories and more than half is for mandatory spending which the government cannot alter easily. Examples include social security and medical care, and to show the spending example in 2017 Financial year, Medical care spent 27% of spending costs and Social security spent 24% while other departments and agencies spent a maximum of 15%.

Payment for mandatory expenditures should meet criteria specified by the law while discretionary payments are renewed annually as part of the budget and planning process.