APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURE Meaning and
Definition
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"Appropriated expenditure" refers to a specific category of spending within a budget or financial plan. In the context of government, it typically refers to the funds allocated by a legislative body or authority for specific purposes or programs. These expenditures are carefully planned and authorized through the budgeting process, typically by establishing line items or categories that outline the intended use of funds.
Appropriated expenditures are distinct from other types of spending, such as discretionary expenses or emergency funds. They are considered more binding and have a predetermined purpose, typically mandated by law or specific policies. These expenses are often allocated for essential services, infrastructure development, public welfare programs, defense, or other government obligations.
The process of appropriating expenditures usually involves a series of steps. It begins with the identification and assessment of government needs, followed by the preparation of a budget proposal. Legislators or budgeting authorities then review and debate the proposed allocations before passing a budget bill or resolution. Once the budget is approved, the appropriated expenditures are authorized and implemented according to the designated amounts and purposes.
Appropriated expenditures play a vital role in ensuring fiscal responsibility and transparency in government spending. By assigning funds to specific categories or programs, they provide clarity and accountability for public resources. Additionally, they serve as a means to regulate and control public spending, preventing misuse or mismanagement of funds.
Etymology of APPROPRIATED EXPENDITURE
The word "appropriated" comes from the verb "appropriate" which originated from the Latin "appropriatus", the past participle of "appropriare". It consists of two Latin roots: "ad", meaning "to", and "proprius", meaning "one's own". The word implies the action of setting apart something for a specific purpose or making it one's own.
The word "expenditure" derives from the Latin noun "expenditur", which is the third person singular present passive subjunctive of "expendere". The Latin word is composed of "ex", meaning "out", and "pendere", meaning "to weigh". The term refers to the act of spending or consuming money or resources.
Therefore, an "appropriated expenditure" refers to an amount of money or resources that has been set aside or designated for a particular purpose or project and is being spent or utilized accordingly.
