Appropriations
Appropriations are funds allocated by a government or other organization for a specific purpose. They are typically allocated through a budgeting process and are used to pay for goods, services, and other expenses. Appropriations are typically allocated for a specific period of time, such as a fiscal year, and must be used within that period. Appropriations are typically allocated by a legislative body, such as a Congress or Parliament, and are subject to approval by the executive branch of government.
History of Appropriations
The concept of appropriations dates back to ancient times, when governments allocated funds for specific purposes. In the United States, the first appropriations were made in 1789, when Congress passed the first appropriations act. This act allocated funds for the operation of the federal government, including the payment of salaries and the purchase of supplies. Since then, appropriations have been used to fund a wide variety of government activities, from defense spending to social welfare programs.
Comparison of Appropriations
| Type of Appropriation | Amount |
|---|---|
| Defense | $717 billion |
| Social Security | $1.2 trillion |
| Medicare | $717 billion |
| Education | $90 billion |
Summary
Appropriations are funds allocated by a government or other organization for a specific purpose. They are typically allocated through a budgeting process and are used to pay for goods, services, and other expenses. Appropriations are typically allocated for a specific period of time, such as a fiscal year, and must be used within that period. For more information about appropriations, visit the websites of the U.S. Office of Management and Budget, the Congressional Research Service, and the Government Accountability Office.
See Also
- Budgeting
- Taxation
- Deficit Spending
- Debt Financing
- Government Spending
- Entitlement Programs
- Revenue
- Grants
- Subsidies
- Tax Credits
