What does "shut down government operations" specifically mean?

[Earth_First]

In reference to the federal budget, and the debt ceiling: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=114&topic_id=19228&mesg_id=19241

Specifically, does this involve the ENTIRE government, or government specific spending programs such as social programs? Or, does this include Congressional operations as well. How would this work?

Who has the sole authorization to declare that the government must be 'shut down' in a time of economic duress? What/who becomes the governing body? Is it martial law?

No tinfoil hat just curious...

THANKS, DU!

[havocmom]

1. Used to mean Newt got his wittle feewings hurt

:evilgrin:

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

2. As I understand it

everything shuts down, just about. No checks go out to folks, local government offices are closed, their workers sent home. Don't know about the military-I think they just aren't paid.

[Earth_First]

3. kick! n/t

[MountainLaurel]

4. Here's a transcript

Of a Frontline episode on what happened when the Feds shut down in 1995: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/clinton/etc/11131995.html

Google "government shutdown" AND "1995" for a whole lot of information about what transpired.