Final answer:
Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are all mandatory spending programs funded by congressional appropriations, making the correct answer 'd. All Of The Above'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The programs defined as mandatory spending obligations include Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These expenditures are funded by more permanent congressional appropriations and are thus considered mandatory. They are often referred to as entitlements because individuals meeting certain eligibility requirements, based on factors such as age, income, or disability, are legally entitled to receive these benefits. Social Security and Medicare, in particular, serve as major components of the federal budget, with a significant amount of mandatory spending devoted to them. The correct answer to the student's question is 'd. All Of The Above' as all these programs are part of mandatory spending by the federal government.