1. A friend of yours argues that federal government spending is out of control and significant cuts in spending are needed to reduce the size of the government. She tells you that if we cut federal government spending on science and international affairs, it will reduce the size of the government. Do you agree? Why or why not?

2. If the economy slides into recession next year, and Congress does nothing to adjust existing tax and spending programs, how will government spending and government revenue change? Do any of these adjustments help stabilize the economy?