What document summarizes how the government’s money was spent in a given year?

The correct answer is the budget because it outlines the government's financial plan for a specific period, detailing expected revenues and expenditures. It serves as a comprehensive document that guides how public funds are allocated to various departments and services, allowing for a clear understanding of how money is spent throughout the fiscal year.

The budget plays a crucial role in financial accountability by ensuring that government spending aligns with policy priorities and legislative approvals. By summarizing planned expenditures, it provides transparency to citizens regarding government financial management.

In contrast, a tax report typically focuses on the collection of taxes and individual tax obligations rather than overall government spending; a financial audit reviews financial practices for compliance and accuracy, rather than summarizing spending; and a revenue statement primarily addresses income generated by the government, not expenses. Thus, none of these alternatives provide the comprehensive overview of governmental spending that the budget does.