The document discusses government shutdowns in the United States. It provides details on several shutdowns between 1976-2013, including the causes such as disagreements over funding abortion and budget cuts. Shutdowns result when Congress and the President cannot agree on appropriations bills to fund government operations. During a shutdown, non-essential government services are suspended. The longest shutdowns lasted 18 days under President Carter in 1978 due to disagreements over Medicaid funding for abortions.