- Taxes are how governments gain revenue, or money. Revenue is needed for the government to provide public goods and services. Examples of public goods are
paved roads, bridges, tunnels, street lights and
playgrounds. Public services include public education, fire and police departments and sanitation
programs. Taxes also pay for the salaries of government employees. Every government employee, from
the president of the US to your local firefighters and garbage collectors, gets their salary from taxes.
Which of the following is an example of a public service?
A. a bridge that connects two towns
B. a crowded highway
C. a city's sanitation program
D. a neighborhood restaurant