Question

In comparison with western European democracies, US government spending amounts to

a. a higher percent of GNP and receive roughly the same benefits and services.
b. a higher percent of GNP and receive more benefits and services.
c. a lower percent of GNP and receive roughly the same benefits and services.
d. a lower percent of GNP and receive fewer benefits and services.
e. roughly the same percent of GNP and receive the same benefits and services.

Answer 1

The United States government spends a lower percentage of GNP on government services compared to Western European democracies and generally provides fewer benefits and services.

Step-by-step explanation:

In comparison with Western European democracies, US government spending amounts to a lower percentage of GNP and Americans receive fewer benefits and services. This discrepancy relates to the different approaches to governance, with the U.S. emphasizing limited government, though in practice it does provide significant law and order, educational services, and old-age pensions and healthcare through programs like Social Security and Medicare. However, compared to some European countries that offer extensive cradle-to-grave services, the U.S. tends to spend less on social services as a percentage of GDP. Government spending is typically measured as a percentage of GDP rather than in nominal dollars because it allows for a comparison that accounts for the size of a country's economy and inflation over time. This metric provides a more consistent basis for analyzing and understanding government spending.