National debt
What National debt means in Economics GCSE, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of National debt
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain National debt in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
The national debt is the total accumulated amount the government owes, increased by borrowing to finance a budget deficit.
The total accumulated borrowing over time, which a deficit increases and incurs interest payments on.
Topics that use National debt
- Fiscal policy (AQA GCSE)
- Government income and expenditure (AQA GCSE)
Related terms
- Budget deficit
- Budget surplus
- Fiscal policy
- Government revenue
- Balanced budget
- Budget balance
- Direct taxes
- Economic growth
Using National debt in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Economics questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge