State legislatures are responsible for the making of law at the State level. In each State, the legislature is established by a State constitution and possesses great powers to make public policy. The governor is the principal executive officer in each of the 50 states and is always a central figure in State politics. Created by the State government, local government is visible mainly in the form of day-to-day services that keep communities going such as providing services, regulating local activities, and collecting taxes. Internet Activities Click on Internet Activities to the left for help in completing the Chapter Review Activity on page 661 of your textbook. In this activity you will learn about your own State and local governments.

Rick Perry, Governor of Texas. Courtesy Office of Governor Rick Perry.