To arrange the categories of government spending from greatest to least, we look at the common trends in federal spending.
As of recent data prior to October 2023:
- Health Care (including Medicare and Medicaid) is generally one of the largest expenditures.
- Pensions (Social Security) typically represent a significant portion as well.
- National Defense is also a considerable spending category under protection.
- Education tends to be lower compared to the above categories.
- Interest on the National Debt can vary but has been substantial; however, in many budgets, it does not exceed the overall spending on health care or pensions.
Given these insights, the arrangement from greatest to least based on typical spending categories would likely be:
- Health Care
- Pensions
- Protection (including defense)
- Education
- Interest on the National Debt
Among the options provided, the most accurate choice reflecting government spending from greatest to least is:
Health Care, Pensions, and Transportation
This choice aligns closer to the most common understanding of federal spending priorities.