Pork barrel facts for kids
Pork barrel is a term used to describe when government money is spent on local projects. These projects are usually in a politician's home area. The main goal is often to help that politician gain support from the people they represent. This idea started in American English and shows a way that politicians can focus on their local area's needs.
Contents
What is Pork Barrel Politics?
In simple terms, "pork barrel" refers to government spending that mainly benefits a specific local area. The money for these projects comes from all taxpayers, but the benefits are concentrated in one place. This can include things like building new roads, bridges, or other public works. It can also involve certain defense projects or help for farmers.
How Do We Spot "Pork" Spending?
Groups that watch government spending have identified some signs that a project might be "pork barrel." In the United States, spending might be called "pork" if it:
- Is asked for by only one part of Congress.
- Doesn't have a specific official approval.
- Is not given out through a fair competition.
- Was not requested by the President.
- Costs much more than what was planned before.
- Was not discussed in public hearings.
- Only helps a local area or a special group.
The Story Behind the Name: "Pork Barrel"
The phrase pork barrel politics began in American English. It describes spending meant to help a politician's voters. This help might encourage them to vote for the politician or donate to their campaigns. In 1863, writer Edward Everett Hale used "pork barrel" to mean any public spending for citizens. However, after the American Civil War, the term started to be used in a more critical way. The modern meaning of the term became common around 1910.
Early Uses of the Term
The idea of a "pork barrel" originally came from how meat was stored. In the 1800s, a barrel of salt pork was a common food item in many homes. It was a sign of a family's financial well-being. Imagine a barrel of pork being shared out; people would gather to get their portion. This image became a way to describe how government money is sometimes shared. A writer named Chester Collins Maxey helped make the term popular in 1919. He wrote about how some laws were known as "pork barrel bills" by members of Congress.
Famous Examples of Pork Barrel Projects
Throughout history, there have been many projects that people have called "pork barrel." These examples help us understand how this type of spending works.
The Bonus Bill: An Early Road Plan
An early example in the United States was the Bonus Bill of 1817. This bill was proposed by John C. Calhoun. It aimed to build highways connecting different parts of the country. The money would come from the Second Bank of the United States. However, President James Madison vetoed the bill. He believed that the Constitution did not give the government the power to fund such projects.
Boston's Big Dig: A Massive Highway Project
One of the most well-known projects often called "pork barrel" is the Big Dig in Boston, Massachusetts. This huge project moved a 3.5-mile section of a major highway underground. Planning began in 1982, and construction lasted from 1991 to 2006. The project cost about US$14.6 billion. That was over US$4 billion for each mile! Tip O'Neill, a powerful politician from Massachusetts, worked hard to get federal money for the Big Dig.
The "Bridge to Nowhere" in Alaska
During the 2008 presidential election, the Gravina Island Bridge in Alaska became a famous example. It was also known as the "Bridge to Nowhere." This bridge was planned to cost $398 million. It would connect an island with only 50 residents and an airport to another island. Senator Ted Stevens pushed for this project. Critics argued it was too expensive for the small number of people it would serve. Politicians often try to bring federal money to their local areas. This helps them show their voters that they are working for their community.
See also
In Spanish: Pork barrel para niños
