Is the US Public Debt a Matter of Concern?
Data Story
In this data story, students analyze nonlinear growth of economic indicators such as the Real GDP and Public Debt over time. They look into associations between the three variables to conclude if the US Public debt is a matter of concern.
Welcome to this Tuva data story! Public debt is the amount owed by the government to the people, businesses, and foreign governments. The government can borrow from these agencies by issuing Treasury bills, notes, and bonds. These instruments are a promise to repay these investing agencies, along with interest, within a stipulated time period. !--- Up to a point, the debt and interest can be repaid by raising tax receipts - either by economic growth or by raising tax revenue, a reduction in spending, or failing that by simply printing more money. But if public debt becomes more than 60% of the GDP, it becomes a matter of concern. ---!{border-color:#008000;text-align:left;} In this data story, you will look at how real GDP and annual public debt in the US have changed over time and whether it is time the federal government should be concerned. Click Next to get started!
Topics and standards: Finance, Social Studies, Math, Claim-Evidence-Reasoning, Grades 9-12, Nonlinear Models, Nonlinear Relationships, CCSMP-3, CCSMP-4, Social Sciences & Math, Government & the Economy