The following are some data on the US economy take from the Economic Report of the President at https://www.gpo.gov. (Reports from before 2004 can be found at http://fraser.stlouisfed.org/publications/ERP/.) Year Unemployment Real Govt. Spending Real Civilian Spending Rate (billions) (billions) 1982 9.70% $947.70 $3,672.60 1983 9.60% 960.1 3,943.60 1996 5.40% 1,257.90 5,670.50 1997 4.90% 1,270.60 5,920.80