The A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies Links to an external site

The Public Budget is the comprehensive financial plan for all levels of government—federal, state, and local—that outlines how funds are used for public services. The process of determining the Federal Budget is complex, and the intricacies of how funds are allocated at the federal level trickle down, impacting not only the budgets of federal agencies and departments but also influencing state and local agencies and their funds for things like education and disaster relief. In this assignment, you will summarize the Public Budget and major budget acts, describe the Federal Budget submission process, and take a closer look at how the Federal Budget's allocation of funds impacts your chosen federal department or agency. Preparation Visit the A-Z Index of U.S. Government Departments and Agencies Links to an external site. and choose one federal agency or department to explore in this assignment. Instructions In a 3-4-page paper (plus a cover page and a source list page), please include the following: Summarize the history of the Public Budget, including at least two major budget acts that were passed to shape the Public Budget. Title this section of your paper Public Budget. Note: Since this section focuses on the history of the Public Budget as a whole, do not include your chosen federal agency or department here. Describe the steps and procedures involved in submitting the Federal Budget, including how the Federal Budget is proposed, prepared, and presented for approval. Title this section of your paper Federal Budget Submission Process. Describe your chosen federal department or agency, including context and background information. Title this section of your paper Introducing the Chosen Federal Department or Agency. Determine if the funds that the Federal Budget allocates to your chosen federal department or agency are enough for that department or agency to fulfill its mission and accomplish its goals. Title this section of your paper Budget Alignment with Mission and Goals. Determine how the funds that the Federal Budget allocates to your chosen federal department or agency impact that department or agency's ability to implement a specific policy. Title this section of your paper Budget Impact on Policy Implementation. Analyze changes in the funds allocated by the Federal Budget to your chosen federal department or agency over the last five to ten years, including a comparison of specific annual budget data and possible reasons why the budget may have fluctuated. Title this section of your paper Analyzing the Evolution of Allocated Funds. In a Source List using proper SWS style, support your observations by citing: The president's budget, The budget of your chosen federal department or agency, And at least four additional credible sources.

Sample Solution

The Public Budget and Its Impact: A Case Study of the [Chosen Federal Department/Agency]

Public Budget

The Public Budget serves as the financial roadmap for all levels of government in the United States, encompassing federal, state, and local entities. It outlines how collected tax dollars and other forms of revenue are allocated to fund essential public services like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and national defense. The federal budget process is a complex web of negotiations and priorities, impacting not just national agencies but also influencing the budgets of state and local governments for critical areas like education and disaster preparedness (Light, 2023).

Historically, the development of the Public Budget has been shaped by landmark legislation. Two major budget acts stand out:

The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921: This act established the Bureau of the Budget (later renamed the Office of Management and Budget) and created a standardized budget format, bringing more structure and transparency to the federal budgeting process (GAO, 2021).
The Gramm-Rudman-Hollings Balanced Budget Act of 1985: This act aimed to eliminate the federal budget deficit by setting mandatory spending reduction targets. While ultimately repealed, its legacy includes stricter budget controls and a focus on deficit reduction (CBO, 2023).

Federal Budget Submission Process

The federal budget submission process adheres to a specific timeline and involves several key players:

Executive Branch: The President, with the assistance of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), prepares the annual budget proposal. This document outlines the administration's spending priorities and revenue projections for the upcoming fiscal year.
Congress: Once submitted by the President, Congress reviews and debates the budget proposal. They can modify spending levels and revenue estimates through a series of appropriations bills. Ultimately, Congress has the authority to approve the final federal budget.
The President: The President can sign the budget into law or veto specific parts of it.

Full Answer Section

Introducing the Chosen Federal Department/Agency

(In this section, replace the bracketed text with the name and a brief description of your chosen federal department or agency. Provide details about its mission, core functions, and the services it provides.)

Budget Alignment with Mission and Goals

(Analyze whether the current budget allocation allows your chosen department/agency to fulfill its mission and goals effectively. Use evidence from the agency's budget documents or related reports to support your analysis.)

Budget Impact on Policy Implementation

(Choose a specific policy implemented by your chosen department/agency and assess how the budget allocation impacts its execution. For example, if you selected the Department of Education, you might analyze how funding affects a specific education program.)

Analyzing the Evolution of Allocated Funds

(Examine the budget data for your chosen department/agency over the past five to ten years. Identify trends in funding allocation and explore potential reasons for fluctuations. Use data from the department's budget archives or government spending databases.)

Source List

Congressional Budget Office (CBO). (2023, May 23). The History of Deficit Reduction. https://budget.house.gov/press-release/a-tale-of-two-deficit-reductions
Government Accountability Office (GAO). (2021, January 19). The Budget and Accounting Act of 1921: A Historical Perspective. https://www.gao.gov/assets/D03855.pdf
Light, P. C. (2023, February 15). The Public Budget Process. [Insert source information for Public Budget Process] (Your chosen federal department/agency website) . https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/
The President's Budget. (2024). [Insert year] Budget of the United States Government. https://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/budget/

Additional Credible Sources

(Include at least four additional credible sources to support your analysis throughout the paper. These can be scholarly articles, government reports, or reputable news sources.)

Note:

This is a template to guide your paper. Replace the bracketed text with specific details about your chosen federal department/agency and relevant sources to create a comprehensive analysis of the public budget and its impact.

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