Ten Trillion and Counting

What are the politics behind our national debt and what dangers does it pose to our government and public policy? Recessions affect government just as much as they do individuals. How will the increases in the deficit contribute to our national debt and decision making by political leaders in the future? Watch this PBS Frontline episode explaining the politics of the National Debt.

Click on the image above to watch Frontline: Ten Trillion and Counting

What is the"pay as you go" system?

If politicians increase spending in one part of the budget, they must cut spending in another part of the budget.

Think you can do a better job of balancing the budget? Try this interactive from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget to see if you can stabilize the U.S. debt. Who is the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget? Do they have a political agenda?

What role do taxes play in government policy? Read this article from the PBS NewsHour on the debate over extending the Bush tax cuts in 2010. How was a compromise reached? How will this government policy affect the economy?