The Exchequer

The Exchequer is a government department responsible for managing a country's finances, primarily in the UK. It oversees the collection of taxes, the management of public funds, and the distribution of government spending. The term originally referred to a physical table where financial accounts were calculated, resembling a checkerboard. Today, it is often associated with the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who is the government official in charge of economic and financial matters. Essentially, the Exchequer plays a crucial role in ensuring that a nation's financial resources are allocated efficiently and effectively for public welfare.