Question of the Day: What were the top three expenses the government paid for with our tax dollars in 2019?
Answer: Health, Military, and Interest on Debt
Questions:
- Are you surprised by the top 3 categories the Federal government spends taxpayer money on? Explain.
- How would you adjust the spending allocation across these categories (if at all)? Why?
- What top three items do you think the government will spend tax dollars on in ten years? How much per item? Why?
Behind the numbers (National Priorities Project):
"Our federal income taxes pay for everything from the military to education, from federal prisons to cancer research. There are other federal taxes you probably pay, too – like social security and Medicare taxes. But only income taxes are included in the tax dollar."
To view the average $ amount of taxes paid in each state, click the link here.
-----------------------
Taxes on the mind? Check out NGPF's Taxes unit page which is full of ideas to engage your students!
-----------------------
Want to attend NGPF Professional Developments and earn Academy Credits on your own time? Check out NGPF On-Demand modules!
About the Author
Mason Butts
After graduating from UCLA with a Master's in Education, Mason spent 5 years as a science educator in a South Los Angeles public high school. He is committed to supporting the holistic growth of all students and empowering them to live a life of relational, academic, and financial success. Now settled in the Bay Area, Mason enjoys facilitating professional developments and partnering with educators as they prepare students for a bright financial future. When Mason is not building curriculum or planning a training, he can be found cycling, trying new foods, and exploring the outdoors.

Teacher Accounts
To get access to NGPF answer keys, assessments, and teacher-only resources: create a FREE Teacher Account