NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?

SUMMARY

Republicans in Congress are hashing out a new tax cut and spending bill that's projected to add trillions to the national debt. Economics correspondent Paul Solman explains the ballooning national debt, how we got here and what it means for our economy and future generations.

View the transcript of the story.

News alternative: Check out recent segments from the NewsHour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.

Key terms

national debt — the total amount of outstanding borrowing by the U.S. government accumulated over the nation’s history (Dept. of Treasury)

interest — a payment associated with borrowing or lending money

WARM-UP QUESTIONS

1. What is the current national debt of the U.S.?
2. Who is affected by the national debt?
3. Why does having a large national debt cause anxiety in these different groups of Americans?
4. Where on the timeline of history did the U.S. see debt balloon? (Hint: see the graph from the video below-what other events did the video mention?)
5. How does debt work as it pertains to interest?

FOCUS QUESTIONS

What are the key concerns around the U.S. racking up a high national debt?

Media literacy: What primary sources (in the form of pictures and background video) were used to demonstrate that the U.S. has had a long history of concerns over the federal debt?

WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO

Balance the budget with this budget simulator activity! Today, our debt is approaching levels not seen since the end of World War II. Advocates support balancing the federal budget as a way to bring down the debt. Try it yourself or with a classmate using this lesson plan:

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