THE RULE OF LAW

1. Everyone Must Follow the Law 3. Government Must Obey the Law
2. Leaders Must Obey the Law 4. No One Is Above the Law

The National Debt

The national debt is the amount of money the federal government has borrowed to cover the outstanding balance of expenses incurred over time. In a given fiscal year (FY), when spending (ex. money for roadways) exceeds revenue (ex. money from federal income tax), a budget deficit results. To pay for this deficit, the federal government borrows money by selling marketable securities such as Treasury bonds, bills, notes, floating rate notes, and Treasury inflation-protected securities (TIPS).

The national debt is the accumulation of this borrowing along with associated interest owed to the investors who purchased these securities. As the federal government experiences reoccurring deficits, which is common, the national debt grows.

Simply put, the national debt is similar to a person using a credit card for purchases and not paying off the full balance each month. The cost of purchases exceeding the amount paid off represents a deficit, while accumulated deficits over time represents a person’s overall debt.

The Growing National Debt

The U.S. has carried debt since its inception. Debts incurred during the American Revolutionary War amounted to over $75 million by January 1, 1791. Over the next 45 years, the debt continued to grow until 1835 when it notably shrank due to the sale of federally-owned lands and cuts to the federal budget.

Shortly thereafter, an economic depression caused the debt to again grow into the millions. The debt grew over 4,000% through the course of the American Civil War, increasing from $65 million in 1860 to $1 billion in 1863 and almost $3 billion shortly after the conclusion of the war in 1865. The debt grew steadily into the 20th century and was roughly $22 billion after the country financed its involvement in World War I.

Notable recent events triggering large spikes in the debt include the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, the 2008 Great Recession, and the COVID-19 pandemic. From FY 2019 to FY 2021, spending increased by about 50%, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax cuts, stimulus programs, increased government spending, and decreased tax revenue caused by widespread unemployment generally account for sharp rises in the national debt.

Addressing the National Debt: Understand the Issue, Advocate for Change

Key Takeaways

  • Tax hikes alone are rarely enough to stimulate the economy and pay down debt.
  • Governments often issue debt in the form of bonds to raise money.
  • Spending cuts and tax hikes combined have helped lower the deficit.
  • Bailouts and debt defaults have disadvantages but can help a government solve a debt problem.

At Save The USA, we recognize the pressing importance of addressing the national debt to secure a stable and prosperous future for all Americans. As the national debt continues to rise, it poses significant challenges to our economy, social programs, and the well-being of future generations.

Understanding the complexities of the national debt is crucial in advocating for responsible fiscal policies and sustainable solutions. To deepen your knowledge on this critical issue, we urge you to explore this issue

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