Within the Discussion Board area, write up to 3 paragraphs that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

There is much debate surrounding the issue of balancing the federal budget. The think tank you work for is currently discussing a proposed balanced budget amendment to the Constitution and will eventually consolidate their ideas into a policy report. Contribute to the discussion by first researching the current state of U.S. fiscal policy and the federal budget.
Address the following questions in your discussion post:

•What are the historical trends and current state of the federal budget and deficit spending?

•Should the federal budget be balanced? Is this really necessary? What are the benefits of a balanced budget?

•Do you believe a balanced budget amendment to the U.S. Constitution should be passed?

?Consider state balanced budget amendments in your discussion. Are state balanced budget amendments a good idea? Why or why not?

•What tools are available to the federal government to implement fiscal policy?

•If you had the ear of the U.S. president, what advice would you give for the direction of U.S. fiscal policy?"