English Language · English
Which choice best describes data from the table that support the claim that divided US Congresses tend to accompany reductions in total federal outlays relative to GDP? Percentage Point Changes in US Federal Outlays Relative to GDP by Congressional Status PeriodCongressional statusChange in total outlaysChange in nondefense outlaysChange in defense outlays 1981–1988divided-0.4-1.30.9 1975–1976divided2.73.0-0.3 1977–1980undivided0.30.6-0.3 1964–1968undivided1.91.40.5 1969–1974divided-1.82.1-3.9 Economist Steve H. Hanke has shown that divided US Congresses—which occur when one party holds the majority in the House of Representatives and another holds the majority in the Senate—tend to accompany reductions in total federal outlays (spending) relative to gross domestic product (GDP). Hanke pointed to his calculations as evidence that a divided Congress may be a 'necessary but not sufficient condition' for a decrease in government size to occur.
- 1All the periods of divided Congresses except one were associated with reductions in total outlays, whereas the periods of undivided Congresses were associated with increases in total outlays.✓
- 2The periods of undivided Congresses were associated with increases in total outlays, whereas all the periods of divided Congresses were associated with reductions in either nondefense outlays or defense outlays.
- 3All the periods of divided Congresses were associated with reductions in total outlays, although two periods were also associated with increases in nondefense outlays.
- 4The periods of undivided Congresses were associated with increases in nondefense outlays, whereas all the periods of divided Congresses except one were associated with reductions in defense outlays.
Correct answer
All the periods of divided Congresses except one were associated with reductions in total outlays, whereas the periods of undivided Congresses were associated with increases in total outlays.
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