Which of the following statements correctly describes the issues associated with the national debt?(1 point)ResponsesThe national debt has been steadily decreasing over time.The national debt has been steadily decreasing over time.Increased debt means more money is diverted from economic growth and social programs.Increased debt means more money is diverted from economic growth and social programs.As the national debt decreases, more money needs to be paid toward interest payments.As the national debt decreases, more money needs to be paid toward interest payments.Unchecked debt could lead to decreased interest rates.Unchecked debt could lead to decreased interest rates.

Increased debt means more money is diverted from economic growth and social programs.

The correct statement that describes the issues associated with the national debt is: Increased debt means more money is diverted from economic growth and social programs.

The correct statement that describes the issues associated with the national debt is: "Increased debt means more money is diverted from economic growth and social programs."

To arrive at this answer, we need to understand the concept of national debt and its implications. The national debt refers to the total amount of money that a government owes to its creditors, which can include individuals, businesses, or other countries. It is typically accumulated through borrowing to finance government spending.

Increased debt means that the government is borrowing more money, which in turn leads to a higher level of public debt. This can result in several issues:

1. Diversion of funds: When a government has a high level of debt, it needs to allocate a larger portion of its budget to making interest payments and paying off the debt. This means that fewer funds are available for other important areas such as economic growth and social programs. As a result, investments in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other critical sectors may be limited, affecting the overall development of a country.

2. Economic impact: Higher levels of debt can lead to concerns about a country's ability to meet its financial obligations. This can result in increased borrowing costs, as creditors may demand higher interest rates to compensate for the perceived risk. Higher interest rates can lead to decreased private sector investment and economic growth, as businesses and individuals have to pay more in interest on their loans. This can, in turn, lead to job losses and a slowdown in economic activity.

While the other statements may have some validity in certain contexts, they do not accurately capture the main issues associated with the national debt. It is important to critically evaluate the information provided and understand the broader economic implications of government debt.