In the government-wide statement of activities, which comes first?

In the government-wide statement of activities, the correct order is to report expenses before revenues. This format is designed to highlight the costs associated with the functions of government before showing how these costs are financed through various sources of revenue. By presenting expenses first, the statement effectively communicates the financial burden of government activities, allowing stakeholders to understand what has been spent before considering the income that funds those expenses.

This layout is particularly useful in providing a clear picture of the government's financial performance, as it emphasizes the importance of understanding service delivery and its costs in relation to the revenues generated. This approach aligns with the objective of reporting accountability for public resources, ensuring that stakeholders can easily assess the effectiveness and efficiency of government operations.