A government shutdown is when the government is partially or entirely closed due to a lack of funding. This happens when Congress and/or the President cannot agree on a budget or spending bill necessary to fund the government's operations. During a government shutdown, non-essential government services are closed, and many federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are temporarily laid off without pay. Essential government services, such as national defense, law enforcement, and air traffic control, continue to operate, but they may be limited.

Government shutdowns can significantly impact the economy, leading to job losses, decreased economic activity, and disruptions to government services. They can also damage the government's reputation and make attracting and retaining qualified employees challenging. The United States has experienced 19 government shutdowns since 1976. The longest government shutdown in history lasted 35 days, from December 22, 2018, to January 25, 2019, leaving many families and businesses in financial uncertainty.

Here are some of the effects of a government shutdown:

• Non-essential government services like national parks, museums, and federal offices are closed.

• Many federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are temporarily laid off without pay.

• Essential government services like national defense, law enforcement, and air traffic control continue to operate during a government shutdown. However, operations may still be severely limited, threatening public safety and security. The economy can also be affected, as businesses may lose government contracts or have difficulty accessing government services.

Government shutdowns, a preventable issue, are a serious problem that can significantly impact the economy and the government's ability to function. They are often used for political leverage, but this practice is a waste of taxpayer money and can cause significant disruptions to government services and the lives of many Americans. It's crucial for Congress and the President to work together to avoid these shutdowns.