The government is being shut down because Congress has not been able to pass a budget by September 30, which is the end of the fiscal year. The government will be shut down until a new budget is agreed to.

This happens sometimes. It will probably not affect you in any way. Basically every October 1st there is a new "plan" or "rules" that the Republicans and Democrats have to agree to. When they don't agree, there is nothing else for them "to do", so the government shuts down until they figure it out. Basically they need to stop being stubborn and compromise. This will not affect any government aid or funding right now. Everything will run as normal except for federal government offices, museums, and parks. It sucks for the people really depending on the money that work at these places, but otherwise it could be a vacation for them or some time off. My sister worked for the government a few years and ago and this happened. She was off work for a few days and then everything resumed as normal. Also, I believe fed offices overseas shut down too, so that could be extremely difficult for people traveling from overseas to the US.

I'm so confused. I don't know anything about politics or government and stuff. But will it effect us? Will it be like other countries without governments and everyone goes bananas and does what ever they feel Iike it?