Appropriation Act
An appropriation act is a law that authorizes the government to spend money for a specific purpose. It is a type of legislation that is passed by the legislature and signed by the executive branch. The act specifies the amount of money that can be spent, the purpose for which it can be spent, and the time period in which it can be spent. Appropriation acts are an important part of the budget process, as they provide the legal authority for the government to spend money.
History of Appropriation Acts
Appropriation acts have been around since the early days of the United States. The first appropriation act was passed in 1789, and it authorized the government to spend money for the purpose of paying the salaries of government officials. Since then, appropriation acts have been used to fund a variety of government activities, from military operations to public works projects. In recent years, appropriation acts have become increasingly complex, as the government has sought to control spending and ensure that money is spent in a responsible manner.
Comparison Table
Type of Legislation | Purpose | Time Period |
---|---|---|
Appropriation Act | Authorizes the government to spend money for a specific purpose | Specified in the act |
Budget Resolution | Sets the overall spending levels for the government | Fiscal year |
Tax Act | Sets the tax rates and other tax provisions | Varies |
Summary
An appropriation act is a law that authorizes the government to spend money for a specific purpose. It is an important part of the budget process, as it provides the legal authority for the government to spend money. Appropriation acts have been around since the early days of the United States, and they have become increasingly complex in recent years. For more information about appropriation acts, visit the websites of the U.S. Government Accountability Office and the Congressional Research Service.
See Also
- Budget Resolution
- Tax Act
- Fiscal Year
- Government Accountability Office
- Congressional Research Service
- Public Works Projects
- Military Operations
- Government Spending
- Legislature
- Executive Branch