What portion of all U.S. federal, state, and local government spending is for public order and safety, including law enforcement, courts, prisons, immigration enforcement, and fire protection?
Correct Answer
In 2019 (latest data), total government spending for public order and safety was $410 billion, or an average of $3,191 for every household in the United States. This was 6% of the $7.3 trillion that federal, state, and local governments spent in 2019. Other major categories of spending were economic affairs and infrastructure (5%), national defense (12%), general government and debt service (17%), and social programs (60%). In 2020, total government spending rose to $9.1 trillion, and the vast bulk of the increase was related to "Covid relief" laws that enlarged spending on social programs.
Previous question
Next question
