Final answer:
An example of mandatory spending in the U.S. federal budget is Social Security, alongside others like Medicare and Medicaid. These are part of entitlement programs that provide financial aid and healthcare to eligible individuals based on set criteria such as age, income, or disability.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of an item that would fall under mandatory spending in the United States federal budget is Social Security. This category includes various entitlement programs to which individuals are legally eligible based on criteria such as age, income, or disability. Besides Social Security, other major examples are Medicare and Medicaid, which are healthcare programs designed for the elderly and low-income individuals, respectively.Mandatory spending represents expenditures that are required by existing laws. It does not require annual approval by Congress, which means these funds are automatically allocated based on eligibility criteria. Social Security, which provides financial assistance to retirees, disabled persons, and survivors, is one such entitlement that Americans are eligible for generally upon reaching retirement age. As part of mandatory spending, Medicare provides healthcare to individuals over 65 and to some younger people with disabilities. These programs are considered mandatory because they are guaranteed to qualified individuals, and the funds for them are allocated through permanent congressional appropriations.Conclusion The largest portion of the federal budget is dedicated to mandatory spending, which typically increases with population growth and other socioeconomic factors. This type of spending is viewed as a way to guarantee a safety net for eligible citizens, reflecting societal values and government's commitment to social welfare. On the other hand, discretionary spending is subject to annual debate and decision-making by lawmakers.