State governments provide many services to their citizens. These services fall into several broad categories such as education, public welfare, public safety, and highways though each State may vary in the specific services it provides. States require a great deal of money to provide services and they raise the funds primarily through taxes. The States have broad powers to tax, yet both State and Federal Constitutions limit those powers. State courts are responsible for protecting individual rights, deciding innocence or guilt, and civil disputes. Each State's court system is different, yet the judge selection is often similar. Internet Activities Click on Internet Activities to the left for help in completing the Chapter Review Activity on page 685 of your textbook. In this activity you will learn about your own State and local governments.

Polling places are an example of a local government service. Courtesy File Photo.