what is a government shut down

A government shutdown occurs when the legislative branch fails to pass funding legislation required to finance government operations for the next fiscal year or a temporary funding measure. This results in the cessation of some or all federal government operations and services that are not deemed essential. Essential services related to national security and public safety, such as air traffic control and emergency medical care, continue to function, but non- essential government employees are typically furloughed without pay until funding is restored. Shutdowns occur because the government is legally prohibited from spending money without appropriations authorized by Congress under the Antideficiency Act. This can lead to closures of national parks, reductions in government services, and disruptions to federal employees and public programs until a funding agreement is reached and signed into law by the president.