Why has federal spending generally increased over the years?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Mandatory spending programs, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, continue to expand as the population ages and healthcare costs rise. These programs are considered uncontrollable because they are based on eligibility criteria and benefit formulas set by law and are not directly influenced by congressional appropriations. As a result, federal spending on these programs automatically increases each year, putting pressure on the overall federal budget.

Why Has Federal Spending Generally Increased Over the Years