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The correct answer to the question is:
C. must receive a certain level of funding by law.
Explanation:
1. Mandatory spending refers to government expenditures that are determined by laws rather than the budget process. These programs must receive a certain level of funding as specified by legislation.
2. Examples of mandatory spending programs in the U.S. federal budget include Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. These programs have specific eligibility criteria and funding requirements set by law.
3. Unlike discretionary spending, which is determined through the annual budget process and subject to Congressional appropriations, mandatory spending is not as easily adjusted and continues automatically unless Congress changes the underlying laws governing these programs.
I hope this explanation helps you understand the concept of mandatory spending in the U.S. federal budget. If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!
