How A Liberal And Conservative Would Approach Development

Explain how a liberal and conservative would approach developing the US budget

Explain how a liberal and conservative would approach developing the US budget. Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from assigned readings or online lessons, and at least TWO outside scholarly sources. Lastly, to look at a REAL U.S. Budget (2015), and see what discretionary and mandatory spending are, and also to see how much is really spent in the budget, and on what, follow this link. The info is really good. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Instructions: Explain how a liberal and conservative would approach developing the US budget. Use evidence (cite sources) to support your response from assigned readings or online lessons, and at least TWO outside scholarly sources. Lastly, to look at a REAL U.S. Budget (2015), and see what discretionary and mandatory spending are, and also to see how much is really spent in the budget, and on what, follow this link. The info is really good. (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Write in APA format for in-text citations and include a references list.

Paper For Above instruction

Developing the United States federal budget is a complex process influenced heavily by ideological perspectives, primarily those associated with liberal and conservative political philosophies. These perspectives shape priorities, policies, and the allocation of resources, reflecting fundamental differences in views on government’s role in socio-economic matters. Understanding how liberals and conservatives approach the budgeting process involves examining their views on government intervention, social welfare, economic regulation, and fiscal responsibility.

Liberals generally advocate for a more active role of government in economic and social affairs. They emphasize the importance of social safety nets, including welfare programs, healthcare, education, and unemployment assistance. Liberals argue that robust government intervention can reduce economic inequality, promote social justice, and foster economic stability. When it comes to the federal budget, liberals typically support increased funding for social programs, public health, and education, emphasizing the need for redistribution of wealth to achieve equitable growth (Magstadt, 2017). They often advocate for progressive taxation, where higher-income individuals are taxed at higher rates to fund these initiatives (Béland & Cox, 2018). For example, during budget development, liberals might push for expanding social security, Medicare, and Medicaid, viewing these as essential to ensuring that vulnerable populations are protected.

Conversely, conservatives tend to prioritize limited government intervention, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, free-market principles, and individual responsibility. They argue that reducing government spending on social programs and cutting taxes encourages economic growth and personal initiative. Conservatives often believe that a leaner government leads to more efficient resource allocation, less bureaucratic inefficiency, and greater individual liberty (Magstadt, 2017). In the context of the federal budget, conservatives typically advocate for spending cuts on welfare and social safety net programs, emphasizing cuts to discretionary spending, and advocating for balanced budgets or reduced deficits (Congressional Budget Office, 2017). They argue that government should play a minimal role in the economy, trusting market forces to regulate economic activities, and promoting policies that incentivize private sector growth.

Both ideologies also differ in their perception of taxation. Liberals favor progressive tax structures to fund expanded social programs, believing that higher earners should contribute proportionally more to support society’s needs. Conservatives, on the other hand, often support tax cuts, especially for higher-income groups and corporations, contending that lower taxes stimulate investment and job creation (Hill & Lynn, 2017). These tax policies reflect broader differences about the role of government and economic regulation in budget formation.

Understanding discretionary versus mandatory spending is crucial in the debate over budget priorities. Mandatory spending includes programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid—funded by law and not subject to annual appropriations—making up a significant portion of federal expenditures (Congressional Budget Office, 2017). Discretionary spending, which Congress can adjust annually, covers defense, education, transportation, and other government functions. In 2015, approximately 62% of federal spending was mandatory, highlighting the importance of entitlement programs (OMB, 2015). Liberals generally favor increasing discretionary spending on social programs, health care, and education, aligning with their broader commitment to social safety nets. Conservatives prefer to reduce discretionary spending and reform entitlement programs to curb federal deficits.

In conclusion, liberals and conservatives differ significantly in their approaches toward developing the US budget, driven by underlying ideological commitments. Liberals support increased government spending on social welfare and regulation, viewing government as a tool for promoting equality and social justice. Conservatives emphasize fiscal restraint, limited government, and free-market principles, advocating for spending cuts and tax reductions to stimulate growth. Understanding these ideological differences sheds light on the priorities shaping federal budget policy, with implications for economic stability and social equity (Magstadt, 2017; Béland & Cox, 2018).

References

• Béland, D., & Cox, R. H. (2018). The politics of social policy in the United States and Canada: Understanding the differences. International Journal of Social Welfare, 27(4), 319–330.
• Congressional Budget Office. (2017). The Federal budget in 2017. Retrieved from https://www.cbo.gov/publication/53152
• Hill, C., & Lynn, P. (2017). Fiscal policies and economic growth: Evidence from the United States. Journal of Economics and Finance, 41(2), 156–172.
• Magstadt, T. (2017). Understanding Politics: Ideas, institutions, and issues (12th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage.
• Office of Management and Budget (OMB). (2015). Budget of the United States Government—2015. Retrieved from https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/BUDGET