POLITICS
Why Does the U. S. Keep Shutting Down?
USAMon Oct 06 2025
The U.S. government often shuts down, but other countries like the U.K. don’t. Here’s why:
Power Dynamics
- U.K.: The party in charge makes the budget. Parliament can say yes or no but can’t change it much.
- U.S.: Congress has significant power. They can change the budget and even block it, making things more complicated.
Budget Passing Process
- U.K.: Requires a simple majority in the House of Commons.
- U.S.: The Senate needs 60 votes just to start voting, making it harder to pass a budget.
Political Risks
- U.K.: Politicians face immediate consequences, such as losing their jobs or triggering new elections.
- U.S.: Politicians might face consequences, but they are not as immediate.
Spending Rules
- U.S.: Strict rules about spending money. If Congress doesn’t pass a budget, the government can’t spend money.
- U.K.: Different rules. They can get money in advance, so they don’t have to shut down.
Conclusion
The U.S. keeps shutting down due to the way power is shared, the difficulty in passing a budget, political risks, and strict spending rules. Other countries don’t have these problems, so they don’t shut down.
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questions
How does the U.S. Congress's power of the purse contribute to the frequency of government shutdowns?
How do the differences in legislative power between the U.K. and U.S. affect their respective budgetary processes?
Is the 60-vote requirement in the U.S. Senate a plot to ensure that no significant legislation can ever be passed?
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