1. CQ Press Lecture Spark
January 29, 2018
Connecting current events to your American Government classroom

2. Government Shutdown 2018
On January 20, due to the lack of funding, a government shutdown occurred. Federal workers were furloughed and national parks closed.
The government reopened on January 23.
What the shutdown is and, objectively, why it happened:
“US government shutdown: How did we get here?”
BBC News: US and Canada 22 January 2018
This is what happens during a US government shutdown By Daniella Diaz
CNN Sat January 20, 2018

3. Key Concept History of Government Shutdowns
There have been 19 since 1976
Shutdowns might be viewed as a byproduct of a system of
Separation of powers
Two of the longest shutdowns occurred when one party
controlled the Congress and Presidency: Jimmy Carter and
the Democrats in the late 1970s
“The History Of Government Shutdowns In The U.S.” Ron Elving NPR: Heard on All Things Considered January 18, 2018, 4:16 PM ET
“Government shutdowns in US history: Should founders share blame?” Associated Press
October 1, 2013

4. Key Concept
Shutting down the Government is a political decision so parties get the blame—or the credit—for their actions.
Some blame this recent shutdown on President Trump and the Republicans because they control both the White House and Congress and appeared to renege on an immigration deal.
Trump and GOP are to blame for shutdown:
“Poll: More voters blamed Trump and GOP for shutdown than Democrats” By Steven Shepard
POLITICO
01/22/2018
Trump and Democrats are to blame: “Poll: Democrats, Trump to blame for government shutdown” By STEPHANIE PERRY and JOHN LAPINSKI
NBC News
JAN
Republican response to Schumer deal to end shutdown:
Newt Gingrich: “Schumer Shutdown turns into Schumer Surrender” Fox News
24 January 2018

5. Key Concept
Others found fault in Democrats for not agreeing to a short-term deal that also extended CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program). Some Democrats viewed their leadership’s willingness to fund a wall to be a breach of the party’s priorities.
General negative response to Schumer deal:
“Democrats' shutdown deal looks worse and worse” Chris Cillizza, Editor-at-large
CNN Updated 1:15 PM ET, Tue January 23, 2018
Mixed (but mostly negative) liberal responses to Schumer deal:
“Liberals livid after deal to end shutdown” By Elana Schor
POLITICO
01/22/2018

6. Assessment
Writing: Should Congress end filibusters when it comes to short term spending plans, making government shutdowns less likely?
Debate: Government shutdowns are a robust sign of democracy because, sometimes, parties have differences of opinions that cannot easily be overcome.
Poll: Who do you blame for the shutdown: Republicans, Democrats, or both?
Short Answer: Given that the 2018 shutdown only lasted 3 days, why do you think there was so much media attention given to it?
Current events quiz:
1. T/F: No government shutdowns occurred during the presidency of Jimmy Carter
2. T/F: Many liberals were angry that the Senate Minority Leader seemed to offer support for money to build the border wall as a concession during budget negotiations with the White House.
3. T/F: The 2018 shutdown was the first to occur with one party in control of the White House and both houses of Congress.
4. During a government shutdown:
National parks remain open
Congress does not get paid
Members of the military get furloughed
The White House shuts down
All of the above
None of the above
The longest government shutdown occurred during the presidency of
Jimmy Carter
Ronald Reagan
Bill Clinton
Barack Obama
Answer:
False
True F C