what does it mean if government shuts down

A government shutdown occurs when the legislative branch fails to pass funding bills to finance government operations for the next fiscal year, causing the federal government to cease some or all operations. This happens because of a funding gap where no budget or temporary funding measure is approved. During a shutdown, non-essential government activities and services stop, non-essential workers are furloughed (temporarily laid off), and only essential employees who protect human life and property continue working, often without pay until the government reopens. Essential services like national security, air traffic control, and emergency medical care generally remain operational. Shutdowns can disrupt many public services, delay benefits, close national parks and museums, and impact federal contractors. Employees usually get back pay after the shutdown ends, but contractors may not. Shutdowns reflect political impasses and can reduce trust in government while causing economic and social disruptions.