Government articles
Just the Facts on federal, state, and local government finances
In this episode of Just the Facts, Steve Ballmer breaks down how government responsibilities and spending are divided across federal, state, and local governments in the United States, using official government data. With nearly 91,000 government entities nationwide, understanding who does what — and who pays for it — is more complicated than it might seem.
Just the Facts about the federal budget
Steve talks about the federal budget, including how the government makes money (namely, income taxes) and how revenue collection and spending decisions impact the US federal deficit and debt, military spending, and American daily life.
How much money does the US federal government collect?
The federal government collected $5.26 trillion in fiscal year 2025. This is about $15,400 per person in the US, however individual contributions vary based on income, spending, and other factors. Government revenue is the total amount of money received from individual and corporate taxes, and other sources that are used to pay for government spending.
What does the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) do?
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is a subdivision of the Department of the Treasury responsible for administering and enforcing the nation’s tax laws. It processes tax returns, collects federal taxes, issues refunds, and ensures compliance through audits and enforcement actions. The agency also provides guidance and assistance to help individuals and businesses understand and meet their tax obligations. It was established in 1862.
What percentage of public school funding in the US comes from the federal government?
About 11.7% or one in nine dollars of public school funding came from the federal government during the 2023–24 school year. Local and state governments typically provide most school district funding, with the federal government providing the rest. Federal sources provide as little as 0% and as much as 88.2% of funding, depending on the district. Federal funding depends on factors such as poverty levels and other student demographics, availability of state and local revenues, and whether a district is urban, suburban, or rural. During 2023–24, which is the latest year of data available, public schools received $121.2 billion, or $2,460 in federal funds per student.
What does the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) do?
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is an independent federal agency responsible for protecting investors, maintaining fair, orderly, and efficient markets, and facilitating capital formation. The SEC oversees securities exchanges, securities brokers and dealers, investment advisors, and mutual funds. It enforces the statutory requirement that public companies and other regulated entities submit quarterly and annual reports, as well as other periodic disclosures. The SEC was established in 1934 following the stock market crash of 1929 to restore investor confidence in the securities markets.
How much federal money goes toward all state and local governments?
The federal government provided $1.22 trillion to state and local governments in fiscal year (FY) 2025. This total includes money transferred to states, tribal governments, and local governments, such as cities and counties. Federal funding helps state and local governments pay for things like infrastructure, education, and health care for low-income people. In FY 2025, these transfers made up 17% of all federal spending.
Which states bring in the most non-tax revenue?
Thirty-seven states get most of their annual revenue from non-tax sources, such as federal funding, a slight drop from 2021.
Everything you need to know about a government shutdown
The impacts of government shutdowns include furloughed employees, reductions in services, closed parks and museums, and much more.
What is infrastructure and what does the government have to do with it?
In 2020, government entities spent $316.5 billion on infrastructure, with state and local governments accounting for 34.8% of that amount.
Just the Facts on the US national debt
In this episode of Just the Facts, Steve Ballmer breaks down the data behind America’s national debt using official U.S. government sources. The US national debt now exceeds $38 trillion, the highest level in history. But that number alone doesn’t explain what the debt is, how it grew, or what it means for the economy.
All about taxes
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) came with some big tax changes. When do they take effect and what's the tax story so far? Here's your one stop shop for everything taxes.
Which government programs does the Government Accountability Office consider inefficient?
In its 2025 review, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) identified 38 federal programs as highly susceptible to fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement.
How much revenue does the federal government collect?
Federal revenues dropped by nearly $600 billion from 2022 to 2023 after growing from 2020 to 2022.
Which states contribute the most and least to federal revenue?
In 2024, Californians paid about $275.6 billion more to the federal government than they received.
What are congressional appropriations (spending) bills and how are they approved?
Appropriation bills are proposed laws, put forth by 12 subcommittees, that authorize different government agencies to spend money.
This chart tells you everything you want to know about government spending
Where is taxpayer money going? Here's a look at the big picture.
How much debt does the US have?
The US has $40.5 trillion in debt as of October 2026. The federal government borrows money when its spending and investments cannot be funded by federal revenue alone; this debt enables the government to pay for programs and services when funds aren’t immediately available.
How does the government support veterans?
Over 93% of the Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual spending funds pensions, compensation, medical care, and education programs for veterans.
Is Social Security running out?
The SSA projects Social Security trust fund reserves may be depleted by 2034, with Old-Age and Survivors Insurance running out as early as late 2032.