Final answer:
Government-wide financial statements include both the financial activities of the government as a whole and its component units.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer is option 3) They include both the financial activities of the government as a whole and its component units.
Government-wide financial statements provide an overview of the financial activities of an entire government entity, including its component units. These statements are prepared using the accrual basis of accounting, not the cash basis, to capture a more comprehensive picture of the government's financial position and performance.
Government-wide financial statements are important for both internal and external users of financial information, including government officials, investors, and creditors.