When was the last time in United States History that the US had a balanced budget?

Question

There must of been a period of time in history when we actually had intelligent leaders that lived within a budget. I am speaking of time when there was no deficit.

Answer 1

Andrew Jackson and Bill Clinton.
Unlike the constitutions of most states, the United States Constitution does not actually require the United States Congress to pass a "balanced" budget, one in which the projected income to the government through taxes, fees, fines, and other revenues equals the amount proposed to be spent. This has led to "deficit spending" and the creation of a national debt. Except for a short period during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, since its inception the United States Government has always been in debt. At one time, President Bill Clinton mananged to create a balanced budget for the national government.
Unlike the constitutions of most states, the United States Constitution does not actually require the United States Congress to pass a "balanced" budget, one in which the projected income to the government through taxes, fees, fines, and other revenues equals the amount proposed to be spent. This has led to "deficit spending" and the creation of a national debt. Except for a short period during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, since its inception the United States Government has always been in debt. At one time, President Bill Clinton mananged to create a balanced budget for the national government.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balanced_Budget_Amendment
I think Truman came close, but I know Jackson and Clinton did it.
As long as our Bills of Currency are Bills and not Notes of Currencey we will be in debt.
A Bill is not actuall legal tender, it is a Promisary Bill of Acknowledgement and Recognized as Legal Tender. But a Bill is a Bill, There is no gray area in that. Samuel Adams addressed this in a speach during his Presidency, but the act and later bill sponsored was all but forgotten untill 1983 when it was passed and made Law.

Answer 2

While I do agree with your representation of the tea parties: this is not an accurate or logical assessment. It is rife with fallacy and obvious partisan arguments. Regardless... I still think you are right. In an unbiased analyzation of the ideaological practices of capitalism vs. socialism and its leaders... the proof surfaces that the profit motive is not in the best interest of the 99% of the population: it is in the interest of the 1%. Those who oppose you will likely be appauled when their grandchildren's textbooks regard Reagan and Bush as the very political figures which nearly killed the original american spirit.

Answer 3

If you dont know, than you obviously dont know the true significance, or meaning of a balanced budget, it was in the late 1990's to 2001 under Clinton and Bush, up until Bush's tax cut's and 9/11, and the serious need for military funds afterwards.

Answer 4

all you people saying clinton did it are wrong we ran a 20 or 50 billion dollar deficit and he got us to that point by rolling over our debts with Lower interest short term financing.

Answer 5

Bill Clinton managed to balance the budget.

Answer 6

Before the creation of the Federal Reserve in 1913.

Answer 7

It was prior to 1932...when everything was in gold and silver standard.....Today if you want to balance the budget...just print more money.
Like Enron..Clinton made it look good on paper.

Answer 8

Under the clinton adminstration!

Answer 9

It was under Bill Clinton. Bush inherited billions in surplus which Bush spent in 6 months.

Answer 10

we believe it was with the clintonn administration plus a surpluss hons, thats long long history with this costly half baked war.will take years years to pay it off they say the next 50- 60 years and beyond.