Final answer:
A potential consequence of not passing a continuing resolution when the government is unable to pass a budget by October 1st is a government shutdown, as seen in the 2013 shutdown due to disagreements over Obamacare.
Step-by-step explanation:
A potential consequence of not passing a continuing resolution when the government is unable to pass a budget by October 1st is a government shutdown. A government shutdown occurs when Congress and the President cannot agree on a budget before the start of the fiscal year. This leads to the temporary closure of federal services, such as national parks, and furloughing of federal employees.
An example of this consequence happened in 2013, when Republicans and Democrats could not agree on funding the government without provisions to stop or change the Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare). This led to a 16-day shutdown and the closure of many federal services.
Overall, not passing a continuing resolution can disrupt government operations, impact federal employees and services, and cause economic uncertainty.