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Washington Post

Do you know where your tax dollars are going? Take our quiz.

Keith Moore is head of editorial at Gapminder Foundation, a Swedish group that promotes access to reliable facts and data. Federal government spending each year is a 13-digit number: about $6.8 trillion in the 2024 fiscal year. For many of us, that is unfathomably large. When every part of the budget is big, featuring hundreds of individual agencies, programs and departments with outlays of millions, billions, and even trillions of dollars, it can be difficult to know what represents the lion's share. And so it is little wonder the public has some major misconceptions about government spending. Take our quiz and test your own understanding of the trends and proportions behind the U.S. federal budget. ✓ Check Yourself The Post partnered with Gapminder, a Swedish nonprofit, to survey 600 people ages 18 to 65. The sample was balanced to reflect U.S. demography. 1 of 5 In the 1980s, federal government spending was around 21 percent of the entire U.S. economy (GDP). What was it in 2024? Around 23 percent Around 41 percent Around 53 percent Story continues below advertisement Advertisement 2 of 5 What is the biggest single item of U.S. federal government spending each year? Buying and maintaining new weapons Social security for retired workers Debt interest 3 of 5 What share of U.S. federal government spending was on foreign aid in 2023? Around 1 percent Around 21 percent Around 41 percent 4 of 5 Which federal government department or agency has the most civilian employees? Defense Department (not including active military) Social Security Administration Department of Veterans Affairs 5 of 5 The federal government is the biggest single employer in the U.S. What percentage of all workers do they represent? Around 1.5 percent Around 15 percent Around 35 percent 0 of 5 Your score: