Federal Budget research paper

I am writing a paper on the federal budget. I want to research the budget process as well as how the funds are appropriated and spent in government agencies.

Above is what I submitted for my topic. What do you think?

I just found out that it has to be a little more detailed than what I previously submitted. I am so confused. It has to be more than just a broad generic statement of the topic. How would I turn this into a statement? Other suggestions on the federal budget are greatly appreciated.

Greetings!

You're right--"the federal budget" is a VERY broad topic. :-) Without having seen your instructions, I'm not really sure what your professor wants. I can, however, make a few suggestions. If they are similar to your instructions, maybe they'll help.

You could try focusing on just one area of the budget (Social Security, for instance, or foreign economic aid). You can probably find the information you need on appropriations and spending by doing an Internet search. I'd use terms like "budget", "United States", and "appropriations." Government web sites might be particularly helpful.

You can also see what your college library has to offer. Your library database should have journal articles on specific areas of the budget. A librarian should be able to help you find what you need. (Books and periodicals could help as well.)

Sometimes seeing what's available in a broad area can help you choose a more narrow topic. You might find something that you find interesting. Ask yourself questions if you have an area of interest: "Does the government fund Artic wildlife research? What percentage of the total budget goes for Medicare payments? Does the United States spend more on undersea programs or the space program?" These are just a few topics; I'm sure you can think up many more.

When all else fails, ask your professor for more details. :-) That's usually the best way to find out exactly what to do.

Thanks, and good luck!

Sarah
EssayForum.com

Okay, I am going to try to go with - the federal budget process and how the federal deficit and budget cuts is affecting domestic programs as well as increasing taxes. That's the general idea. What do you think

Greetings!

I think that's a good idea, and very timely in light of the upcoming presidential elections. If you think it supports your topic, you might even mention the candidates' positions on tax cuts and federal spending.

The budget is very imbalanced, as you probably know, and the national debt is high. You should be able to find lots of opinion pieces in newspapers and academic journals that mention this. Also, domestic programs have been in danger of budget slashing as tax cuts have taken effect, and this has been going on ever since the Reagan adminstration.

Just be sure to follow your instructor's guidelines and you should be fine. Good luck!

Sarah
EssayForum.com

Thanks a lot. After I read what you said to me yesterday, all of a sudden the topic (title) statement just came to me. I was out most of the day today and I did not resubmit the idea to my professor until late. I hope it is acceptable. Thanks again for your inspiration. I am sure you will hear from me real soon. :)

You're very welcome!

Sarah