Partial government shutdown
A "government shutdown" is a suspension of non-essential government services, such as the administration of national parks, lotteries, etc. Despite the scary-sounding verbiage, the military and all other essential services continue without interruption. In late 1995 and early 1996 the US government shut down non-essential services during a partisan budget crisis.
As of April 6, 2011, the US Government is also on the verge of a shutdown, as big-government liberals refuse to enact common sense, deficit-reducing legislation previously passed by the Republican House. Despite claims of a shutdown adversely affecting the American public, as propagated by the liberal media[1], liberals, and some RINOs, the only real effect a shutdown will have is there will be less government spending occurring. Liberal hyperbole aside, there's no reason that the government needs to be working all year round-the Constitution only mandates that congress meet once a year.