Lottery is a popular way for governments to raise money for programs such as education. Unlike state taxes, lottery proceeds are not earmarked; instead they go into the general fund and can be spent on any program the legislature chooses. However, critics argue that despite the appearance of a new source of revenue, lottery money is essentially just a replacement for existing state budgetary appropriations.

Shirley Jackson uses the lottery story to make several important points. First, she argues that people should be able to stand up against authority and challenge an outdated status quo. Second, she argues that democracy can be flawed. She shows how the majority can be wrong and turn against a minority. Third, she criticizes small-town life. She writes that the lottery demonstrates how evil can be hidden in small, seemingly peaceful looking places.

In the story, a man named Mr. Summers brings out a black box and stirs up the papers inside of it. Then, a boy from the Hutchinson family draws. The story tells us that the prize for winning is not really what matters. It is the ritual and power of stoning that is more important. The mob mentality and sadistic glee displayed after someone selects a stone to kill a person serves to further establish the authority of the males in the community.

After the drawing, the winner is usually presented with a choice to receive the money in lump sum or in annual installments. Taking the former option may make more sense for tax purposes, as the federal government takes 24 percent of the total. In addition, states often take a cut as well. As a result, the amount of the jackpot can quickly disappear after a few years of winnings.