When considering the nature of the federal budget, indeed one can trace the foundations of budgeting back to biblical principles. Inside the community of faith, the bible has often been considered the cornerstone and reference point for authoritative declarations. Thus, when applying a biblical perspective to the nature and context of the federal budget, one must begin with the nature of property and stewardship within biblical context. As conveyed in the lecture notes, “God delegated to man the authority over external things, and hence, one could conclude stewardship and ownership from Genesis… God also has authority over all humanity, in the sense that we ‘are not our own,’ and what we own is not to be ‘privately’ administered in exclusion of God.” Therefore, when discussing the federal budget in correlation to the biblical text, indeed the allocation of resources, the distribution of wealth and the overall stewardship of believers are controlled by God. As scriptures states, “God blessed the and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis,1:28,ESV).
Thus, one does not truly “own” any of their possessions, in fact, possessions are owned by God. Therefore, from a biblical perspective, the federal government and its control over the federal budget is essentially under the divine supervision of God. Therefore, one can concur, when incorporating the first set of “rules” given by God, the Ten Commandments, one can apply the commandments in regards to the federal budget. Therefore, when considering the role of government and the federal budget in relation to bi...
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...eneral welfare.’
In summary, it can be argued that biblical principles often provided the best framework for budgeting processes and policies. Since biblical times to the present, when covetousness is not a present factor and God as well as biblical principles applied, this in turn provides a better framework for the federal budgeting process. Furthermore, when analyzing potential reforms within the federal budget, one can consider the General Welfare Clause in its proper context with regards the federal budget process. As presented in the lecture notes, Congress, since the 19th century, has extended its authority to aid and provide relief against natural disasters, economic downturns, as well as social- welfare programs.
References
Wildavsky, A., & Caiden, N. (2004). The new politics of the budgetary process (5th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson/Longman.
Mikesell, J. L. (2010). Fiscal administration: Analysis and applications for the public sector (8th ed.: 2010 custom edition). Mason, OH: Cengage Learning
Holton argues that the Framers formulated a constitution that appeased both the bondholders and allowed for the reduction in taxes paid. Holton cites evidence on how much bondholders actually gained from the Funding Bill. For example, he states “that by 1792 four out of five dollars collected by the federal government was disbursed to bondholders” (Holton 266).
Washington next urged Americans to be overly mindful of the spending and borrowing of national monies. He relates this by declaring “As a very important source of strength and security, cherish public credit” (Washington, 1796). He cautions that credit should be used sparingly and not to accumulate debt that will be a burden to posterity. He also sympathizes that taxes, though necessary to build revenue, should not be
3. Beard, Charles A. "An Economic Interpretation of the Constitution of the United States". American Politics. Houghton Mifflin Company. Boston, MA. 1999. (Pages 27 -- 33).
Lazar, Harvey. “The Spending Power and the Harper Government.” HeinOnline. 34 Queen's L.J. 125 2008-2009
Gerson, Michael . "The real-world effects of budget cuts." The Washington Post 7 Apr.2011: n. pag. Print.
Henry Hazlitt states, “The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy; it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups” (Hazlitt, 1979, p. 17). Leviticus 19:35-37 compels, “You shall do no wrong in judgment, in measurement of weight, or capacity. You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin: I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from the land of Egypt. You shall thus observe all My statutes, and all My ordinances, and do them: I am the Lord.” According to Proverbs 22:7, people will always be slaves to the lender as demonstrated by the Federal Reserve System violating Biblical values in economic
The preamble of the United State’s constitution sets many goals for the country. These goals are to form a more perfect union, to establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense , promote the general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves, and our posterity (US Const). With all of these goals it begs the question are, parts of the United State’s government meeting these goals? One specific case with this relationship is the relationship between the federal budget, and the goals in the preamble. The federal budget is meeting the goals set out in the preamble of the constitution because the federal budget defends the country, promotes the welfare of America’s citizen, and establishes justice
McManus, Doyle. “Drawing Budget Battle Lines.” Editorial. Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2011. Web. 5 June 2011. .
Whereas the six functions of government, as articulated in the Preamble remain the same, the functions have extended to govern issues not a factor during the 18th century. However, the primary function of the government to maintain order has remained unchanged. Demonstrated through various avenues, these functions are open to interpretation. Throughout time, the government continuously adapted itself to provide various services and regulations to the public that it views as beneficial for the public good. Such services have grown to include food standards, consumer protection, health, and education among others. Examples of governmental function expansion since ratification of the constitution can be seen in the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Energy, FEMA, and much more. Through FEMA, the federal government provides disaster relief funding to help communities struck by floods and tornadoes and other natural disasters. The Department of Agriculture put out the food pyramid, which helped people develop a healthy diet. The Department of Energy provides funding for research on wind energy. Clearly, food pyramids and wind energies were ...
Church-state relations in America has been widely discussed and hotly debated. One school of thought holds that the church should be absolutely separated from the state, while another holds that the church plays a moral role in state building and its sanctity, without which the state risks falling apart. In my discussion of the church-state relations, I state that the history of church-state relations has a Constitutional basis. Next, I discuss the two schools of thought in context and how they have shaped contemporary American political thought. Finally, I argue that the two schools of thought have a common ground. This is followed by a summary of my key arguments and a conclusion to my essay.
When deciding the budget, beliefs also play a huge role. Segal reminds us, “the federal budget is the main source of revenue for national social welfare programs and social welfare programs and services” (2016). Everyone has different opinions about what program deserves more money and making that decision can be difficult. If more money had gone towards AIDS research earlier, then we most likely would have seen a better treatment much
“The Budget and Economic Outlook : Fiscal Years 2010 to 2020.” Congress of the United States
The great truth is that “God has not created us for the perishable and transitory things of the earth, but for the things heavenly and everlasting” (RN, no.18). Therefore, the possession of money and material goods humans desire are of no use in heaven. The only significance it could hold is the use of such items on earth. For example, a rich man who does not share in his wealth with the poor will see no gain in heaven. However, a rich man who shares his wealth with the poor and helps the Church to support his brother will receive a warm welcome into heaven. This brings Pope Leo XIII to quote Thomas Aquinas again about the use of money to help explain that the rich should “give with ease”, this leading to Christian Charity (RN, no.19). The Church does not ask for the sharing of everything in one’s possession to be shared with the poor. However, Leo XII explains that what is left over, after the necessities are supplied, are to be shared. This explanation is very beneficial for the parishioners of the Church, for it allows the wealthy not to feel obligated to share all of their wealthy. The Church only asks for the “leftover” of their wealth. After talking about the purpose of wealth in the society, it's only appropriate to talk about the Church’s
In terms of money, I believe that it is important to deliberately plan out the uses for money and to have a large amount go towards savings. I believe that it is right to set aside 10% of one’s income to be an offering to God, pay for necessities, and to save the rest while allowing room for a few purchases for personal entertainment. In Personal Finance, a textbook written by E. Thomas Garman and Raymond Forgue one paragraph reads,