Problems affecting measurement of government budget deficits:

1. Inaccurate reporting:
- One of the major problems affecting the measurement of government budget deficits is inaccurate reporting. Governments may misreport or manipulate data to make their deficits appear smaller than they actually are. This can be done through creative accounting techniques or by excluding certain expenses from the budget.

2. Timing of transactions:
- Another issue is the timing of transactions. Government budget deficits are typically measured on an annual basis, but government spending and revenue collection may not always align perfectly within a single fiscal year. This can lead to distortions in the reported deficit figures.

3. Off-budget items:
- Off-budget items are another challenge in measuring government budget deficits. Some government expenditures and revenues may not be included in the official budget, making it difficult to get a complete picture of the government's financial position. Off-budget items can include spending by government-owned enterprises or funds earmarked for specific purposes.

4. Economic uncertainty:
- Finally, economic uncertainty can also impact the measurement of government budget deficits. Fluctuations in economic conditions can affect government revenues and expenditures, making it difficult to accurately predict the size of the deficit. This uncertainty can lead to revisions in deficit figures as economic conditions change.