Understanding Taxes and State Governance

Why are taxes important?

• They allow people to buy certain goods.

• They pay for services that help communities.

• They ensure that everyone earns enough money to live.

• They allow states to borrow money from the federal government.

Which evidence from the text supports "Taxes are important because they pay for services that help communities."

• “People pay a sales tax when they buy certain items.”

• “They pay an income tax on the money they earn from a job.”

• “Taxes are used to pay for things that benefit everyone in the state.”

• “Both federal and state governments can pass laws, raise taxes, and borrow money.”

What can governors such as Eric Holcomb do to benefit a state?

• They can encourage foreign companies to do business in the state.

• They can set up city and county governments to control pollution.

• They can sign agreements with other states to establish voting rules.

• They can ask courts to make better laws to benefit state workers.

How are the powers of state governments different from the powers of the federal government?

• State governments can raise taxes but federal governments cannot.

• The federal government has three branches but state governments only have two branches.

• State governments have powers that the U.S. Constitution does not include as powers of the federal government, such as deciding how old you need to be to drive a car.

• The federal government can borrow money but state governments cannot.

Which statement best describes tribal governments?

• They govern tribal lands and members much like state governments.

• They make peace treaties with many other countries.

• They are set up and run by the state government.

• They have the same powers as the federal government.

Which evidence from the text best supports the conclusion that important decisions are made at the Kansas State Capitol?

• “The Kansas State Capitol is in Topeka.”

• “The Kansas House of Representatives and the Kansas State Senate meet in this building to make laws.”

• “Tour guides share information about the building’s history and its artwork.”

• “People can also see a statue of Abraham Lincoln and a small Statue of Liberty.”

Which sentence best describes how community members directly participate in local government?

• Local city governments have executive and legislative branches.

• Citizens vote in elections for the mayor and city council members.

• Local courts deal with minor crimes.

• People vote for members of Congress.

What is one way people can express their concerns in local government?

• By attending city council meetings.

• By voting for members of Congress.

• By dealing with minor crimes.

• By joining the executive branch.

Which of the following is NOT a way community members participate in local government?

• Voting for the mayor.

• Attending city council meetings.

• Voting for members of Congress.

• Dealing with minor crimes.

What do local courts deal with?

• Major crimes.

• Minor crimes.

• Legislative issues.

• Executive decisions.