This case examines the impact of the U.S. government's 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019 on American workers and the economy at large. Through an examination of the history of U.S. government shutdowns, the case offers a good introduction to thinking about the effects of shutdowns and how they can have long-term and often unintended business and socio-economic consequences. The case also helps students assess questions, such as "Should government be run like a business?" and "What is government's role in the economy?". Using ideas from Classical Liberal Economics, and its critiques; the case highlights some key tensions in the U.S. government today and challenges readers to brainstorm solutions
