WASHINGTON — The U.S. government shutdown at the weekend after legislators failed to reach a funding agreement.<br /><br />Shutdowns happen when the U.S. President and Congress fail to sign a bill authorising spending to let the government function.<br /><br />There's been 19 in total. Past shutdowns have gone on for a few days to several weeks.<br /><br />Essential services such as the post office, TSA and air traffic control will continue as normal. As will the military, border guard, prisons and social security.<br /><br />Meanwhile non-essential staff will be furloughed and won't go to work on Monday. Services such as the ATF, Department of Education and National Parks could be affected during this time.<br /><br />The 2013 government shutdown saw up to 850,000 not report to work, reports CNN.
