Spending and Taxes as a Percentage of Gross Domestic Product 1980-2007

Spending and Taxes as a Percentage of Gross Domestic Product 1980-2007

This chart combines the data from Government Spending as a Percentage of GDP and Tax Collections as a Percentage of GDP. Although the recent deficits (2001-2007) appear large in absolute dollar figures (Chart Federal Surpluses and Deficits), when viewed as a percentage of GDP the results may be surprising. Of the 24 deficit years shown in the chart, the deficits in nine of those years (1982-1986 and 1990-1993) were actually larger as a percentage of GDP than any of the post-2000 deficits

3 Responses to “Spending and Taxes as a Percentage of Gross Domestic Product 1980-2007”

  1. 1
    Don WW Says:

    Check out the drastic drop in taxes collected as a function of GDP since Bush took office. The Republican Agenda of lowering taxes is destined to fuel this fire of national bankruptcy.

  2. 2
    barabbas Says:

    No Don, it’s the social programs that will bankrupt this country or haven’t you been paying attention?

  3. 3
    tobyw276 Says:

    The drop in taxes was due to the huge cut in GDP and the gigantic internet/computer/internet/Y2K bubble burst just before the 9/11 attack which was estimated to have cost a trillion in lost GDP. Taxes were cut to increase economic growth.
    Despite all this and the War on terrorists, Debt to GDP excluding intra-governmental debt was lower on average During GWB than during Clinton. That is because of the emphasis on economic growth.

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