What were the oldest tax revenue sources that formed the fiscal bedrock of local and state government?

The correct answer highlights the historical significance of the poll tax and property tax as foundational revenue sources for local and state governments. The property tax has been one of the most stable and longstanding forms of taxation, typically levied on real estate and personal property. It has provided local governments with a primary source of revenue, supporting essential services such as education, infrastructure, and public safety.

The poll tax, although less common in modern practice, was historically used in many jurisdictions as a means of generating revenue, particularly from individuals. It was often levied as a fixed sum on adult individuals. During certain periods, this tax was a significant source of revenue in both local and state governments, contributing to regulatory and administrative functions.

Other options such as income tax, sales tax, excise tax, real estate tax, and luxury tax, while important in modern fiscal policy, developed later or were not as universally implemented in earlier times as poll and property taxes. This makes the combination of poll tax and property tax particularly significant in understanding the origins of tax revenue systems.