Government finance can feel very disconnected from the average voter due to the complexity of civic budgets. In addition, government shutdowns, extensions, deficits, and long-term spending packages can be difficult concepts for citizens and private businesses who do not have the luxury of utilizing some of these mechanisms. Are there reasonable policies and mechanisms that can be implemented in order to a) develop sustainable public finance systems and b) help the voting public understand and stay connected to those systems? In addressing this prompt, discuss current laws and policies that are in place, evaluate their effectiveness, and avoid broad-based generalizations about how government finance should work. Focus on pragmatic answers that pair existing realities with possible solutions