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. The US Treasury received $1 trillion in tax payments. It spent $850 billion on

ID: 2806597 • Letter: #

Question

. The US Treasury received $1 trillion in tax payments. It spent $850 billion on “current” goods and services plus transfer payments and interest on existing bonds. It spent $200 billion on capital projects (such as highways and medical research). Which of the following is correct?

It has a surplus of $150 billion but must issue $50 billion in new bonds

It has a deficit of $50 billion and must issue $50 billion in new bonds

It has a deficit of $50 billion and must issue $150 billion in new bonds

It has a surplus of $150 billion and can pay off $150 billion in existing bonds

Explanation / Answer

Total amount received in Tax Payment - $1 trillion

Amount spent on "current" goods and services plus transfer payments and interest on existing bonds - $850 billion

Amount spent on capital projects - $200 billion

Total amount spent: $850 + $200 = $1050 billion

Total deficit: $1000 billion (tax payments) - $1050 billion (Total amount spent) = ($50 billion) Deficit

This deficit can be covered by issuing new bonds worth $50 billion.

Threfore: Answer is It has a deficit of $50 billion and must issue $50 billion in new bonds.