Mandatory spending includes entitlement programs, such as Social Security and Medicare, as well as interest on the national debt. This type of spending is set by laws and not subject to annual appropriations by Congress. Discretionary spending, on the other hand, is subject to annual appropriations and includes programs like defense and education.

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"Mandatory" Spending

Question 21

Multiple Choice

"Mandatory" spending

A) includes entitlement programs but not interest on the national debt.
B) includes entitlement programs and interest on the national debt.
C) does not include entitlement programs but does include interest on the national debt.
D) includes neither entitlement programs nor interest on the national debt.
E) is the term used by political scientists for all money that the government spends.

Correct Answer: