Question

Since the 1960s, Social Security and Medicare have grown as portions of U.S. government spending.

What major categories have shrunk during the same period?

Answer 1

National defense is the main category that has decreased as a share of GDP in U.S. government spending since the 1960s, despite temporary increases during certain periods.

Step-by-step explanation:

Since the 1960s, while Social Security and Medicare have grown as portions of U.S. government spending, the major category that has shrunk during the same period is national defense.

National defense spending as a share of GDP has generally declined, with occasional increases during specific periods such as the 1980s military buildup under President Ronald Reagan and after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

The shift in spending reflects changing national priorities in response to demographic changes and evolving security needs.