INTRODUCTION

Since the modern budgetary process was introduced in 1976, the federal government has experienced “20 funding gaps, resulting in 10 shutdowns” – and counting (USAFacts). Caused by Congress’ inability to pass a funding bill for the fiscal year, government shutdowns impact the country in a plethora of ways. Some federal employees are furloughed and others deemed essential, requiring them to work without pay. In past government shutdowns, national parks and federal museums have been closed, federal research projects have been paused, and IRS taxpayer services have been suspended. Additionally, the federal government is precluded from signing new “contracts for goods and services” during a shutdown (Bipartisan Policy Center). Most recently, alongside a decades-long expansion of presidential power, President Donald Trump in October 2025 moved to lay off thousands of federal employees during a government shutdown.

As each past government shutdown has ended with the passage of a continuing resolution, the question remains why government shutdowns occur and if there is any benefit to them (USAFacts). Historically, Social Security and Medicare benefits have remained unchanged and the military, the US Postal Service, and air traffic control operations, among others, have remained operational during government shutdowns (although, depending on specific circumstances, these may be impacted too) – minimizing the direct impact on Americans. An array of politicians and political commentators, on both sides of the aisle, have also emphasized that government shutdowns can help to ensure minority rights, provide political leverage on certain policy debates, and emphasize the need for a clearer focus on the budgetary process and the issue of the country’s mounting national debt. These arguments are additionally complicated by the influence and impact of Americans’ interpretations of each specific government shutdown – with views often dictated by location and political party affiliation.

So what do you think? This deliberation presents eleven video clips, four articles, and numerous educational activities to guide students through a review of the debate over whether government shutdowns are good or bad. After a careful review of multiple perspectives, students will determine their answer to the question and be presented with several optional extensions to take an active role in the debate.

---

Objectives and Outcomes

• Students will be able to describe key vocabulary terms and concepts associated with the debate surrounding whether government shutdowns are good or bad.
  
  
• Students will be able to identify and explain aspects of the debate surrounding whether government shutdowns are good or bad, including those arguments related to politics, legislation, federal services, presidential power, and federal employment, among others.
  
  
• Students will be able to evaluate arguments related to the debate surrounding whether government shutdowns are good or bad and formulate an opinion on this question.

---