The Impact of Government Shutdowns on Modern Politics

Ronald Reagan had the most government shutdowns, with eight occurring during his presidency. However, these shutdowns were short-lived, some lasting only hours, and were the result of a 1980 memo from Democratic attorney general Benjamin Civiletti. Prior to this memo, the federal government would continue functioning even without funding, under the assumption that funding would eventually come through. Since 1995, government shutdowns have become longer and more painful, with Republicans controlling the House during each shutdown since then.