AP Explains: What happens when the government shuts down

WASHINGTON (AP) — The world won’t end if a dysfunctional Washington can’t find a way to pass a funding bill before this weekend.

That’s the truth about a government “shutdown”: The government doesn’t shut down.

It’s a crummy way to run a government, sure, but Social Security checks will still go out. Troops will remain at their posts. Doctors and hospitals will get their Medicare and Medicaid reim...