Much to do about nothing?

Will the federal government shutdown?

President Obama, House Speaker John Boehner [R-Ohio] and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid [D-Nev.] could potentially reach an 11th hour agreement—they have 36 hours and 53 minutes to avoid what appears to the potentially inevitable government shutdown. What are the implications of the looming government shutdown? Would a shutdown actually prove a good thing? Would it solidify the Tea Party as a viable political movement? Would it impact average Americans in any way?