What term describes a temporary appropriations act that provides budget authority for specific ongoing activities for a specific period?

• A. Budget Amendment
• B. Authorization
• C. Continuing Resolution
• D. Supplemental Request

Answer: (C)

The concept being tested is the idea of a temporary funding measure that keeps ongoing government activities financed for a defined period. A continuing resolution provides exactly that: budget authority to keep agencies operating and programs funded at current or specified levels while the regular appropriations process is completed. It’s explicitly temporary, tied to a set time window, and does not establish new programs or long-term funding commitments.

This differs from other terms. An authorization grants permission to operate a program but doesn’t by itself provide funding, so it isn’t about temporary budget authority for ongoing activities. A budget amendment changes how funds are allocated within or between programs, not about sustaining operations for a defined interim period. A supplemental request seeks additional funds beyond current appropriations, often for emergencies or unforeseen needs, rather than a stopgap funding mechanism for ongoing activities.