What is the major instrument through which any government sets its overall economic policy each year?

The federal budget

Explanation:

The federal budget is the estimate that the government creates each year to determine its revenue and its spending. This budget is the instrument through which the government sets its overall economic policy. It contains an itemized list of expenditure. Some expenses are mandatory, while other are discretionary and and need to get approved through the passage of bills.

i can't beat you to a pulp if i'm not close enough.

b. sec, foreign relations