Springfield became the third capitol of Illinois in 1839. During the Civil War the government of Illinois rapidly expanded and outgrew the building. In 1888 a new state house was built several blocks away. It is the state house used today. The President of the United States and the Congress run the national government.
Local government is run by people with their own community.
Mayors, city councils, county boards, village and school boards, library districts, park boards, and airport authorities are examples of local governments. State government has many responsibilities. It works with local government to provide for schools, police, and the welfare of the people in the state. The people pay for these services through taxes. Taxes are paid on property, income, gasoline, food, clothing, and many things we buy.