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Issues in Economics Today
Issues in Economics Today
Robert Guell, Indiana State University

Federal Deficits, Surpluses, and the National Debt

Web-Based Issues Questions

Question 10.1

Click on this link

http://w3.access.gpo.gov/usbudget/fy2003/pdf/bud08.pdf

Read this article paying special attention to the section on The Need for a Realistic Budget Window. Comment on whether this, or any other, budget’s deficit/surplus projections should be taken seriously.

Question 10.2 Click on the this link

http://w3.access.gpo.gov/usbudget/fy2003/pdf/hist.pdf

Go to the Debt section

Note the progression of debt through time. Note that the tables present data in actual dollar terms, and as a percentage of GDP. Note that they also break out Debt held by the public.  Which of these measures is most valid in your mind in measuring the importance of government debt?





McGraw-Hill/Irwin