For decades, the US government enjoyed a bond rating of AAA, the highest possible. This meant that US treasury bonds were a safe investment and nearly risk-free. US treasury bonds continue to be considered safe to this day. However, in 2011, Standard and Poors (S&P) downgraded US government debt from AAA to AA+. This was the first time the US governments bond rating was reduced.

Why did S&P downgrade US government debt?

How did the downgrade impact the yields on US government Treasuries?

What was the political and economic response to the downgrade?

Name at least three countries with higher S&P bond ratings than the US. Will your responses above impact the way you think in the future?

I need two credible sources are required.