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The government can borrow money as long as those that are lending have faith that it will be repaid. There is no other limit. In other words, as long as the world has faith in the United States there will be no problem.
If the ratio between our debt and our GDP is high compared to the rest of the world, investors tend to lose faith and want higher interest which is a factor pushing inflation up. Our ratio is somewhere around 60. Japan's is over 300. But debt to GDP is not the only factor investors consider. Growth potential of the country is also a consideration. Government stability and safety are factors. Since the recession started the demand for treasury bills has skyrocketed driving interest to zero. Finally being a world superpower is a plus.
BTW When I say investor, I am referring to individuals, corporations, commercial banks, and government central banks.
This all happens probably due to the fact that the world understands, that the bankruptcy of US will bring a global crisis. But the day will come when there will be no more money to lend, no more leverages to use and it will all collapse within weeks or months.