The federal budget is considered to be among the most powerful policy instruments that are used by the government. It is funded by the taxpayers and serves as governmental economic storage from which tax money is spent on accomplishing constitutional goals. Such goals include various programs that are vital to people’s well-being, for example, national defense, foreign aid, healthcare, and social security.
While managing the federal finances, several details should be taken into consideration, thus making national budgeting a difficult procedure. The American citizens are the ones who contribute the most to federal financial resources through taxes and other fees. That is why they want and deserve to know where the government puts its expenses. The article in question demonstrates the results of the telephone survey that was conducted in March 2019. The participants were asked whether they wish to increase spending on some governmental programs, and, if so, what policy needs more funding.
The findings of the survey show that the public supports either the increasing of government spending or maintaining it on present scales almost in all programs. Needless to say, Republicans and Democrats continue to have significantly diverse opinions on how and where the government should spend the tax money. For example, 34% of individuals who present themselves as Republicans and Lean Republicans endorse the plan to maintain the current state of spending on national defense. What is more, 56% of partisans would prefer if the government would spend more money on defense.
The number of Republicans who desire greater expenses for the restoration of roadways and bridges has increased by up to 57%. Moreover, they are far less encouraged to enhance economic aid to the poor on a global scale – only 15% agree that in that field, costs should be higher.On the other hand, Democrats have completely different views on proper federal budgeting. For instance, unlike Republicans, 49% of Democrats and Lean Democrats state that financial aid to underprivileged people across the glove should be increased. Furthermore, they continue to insist that spending on Medicare should be increased, in contrast to their political counterparts. Finally, the amount of Democrats claiming they would increase financial support on environmental protection has grown gradually since 2011.
However, there are some similarities between the two parties as well. For instance, an equal amount of people in both parties argue that expenses on veterans’ assistance should be expanded. Moreover, two competing parties equally promote the idea that more federal money should be put into the reconstruction of highways, bridges, and streets. To be more exact, 64% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans are in favor of such an opinion. Furthermore, the majority in both parties agree on the fact that the infrastructure needs more national funding.
Concerning cutting governmental spending, the article confirms that public attitudes about whether it should be decreased did not change significantly since 2017. According to the survey results, the share of Republicans who are in favor of cutting national defense spending stays low. On the contrary, about 31% of Democrats support decreased defense expenses.
After analyzing the survey results, it would appear that the expectations for federal spending are apparent. Since two parties equally agreed on increased spending for infrastructure, veterans’ aid and rebuilding the roads, these programs will be first to get financial support. Due to the disparity in public opinion, such issues as healthcare, national defense, and economical help for needy will be taken care of subsequently.