What are some characteristics of a state government?

In our system of government, we have different levels of government. We have a federal government, state governments, and various forms of local government.
There are several parts to the state government. Each state government has three branches. The legislative branch makes the laws. For example, in Wisconsin, the State Assembly and State Senate make laws. The executive branch enforces the laws. The governor is the head of the executive branch. The judicial branch interprets the laws. There are various levels of state courts, with the State Supreme Court being the highest level of a court in a state.
There are certain powers reserved for state governments. For example, the state government can make decisions regarding education, trade, and punishment for crimes within a state. No state law or action can contradict a federal law or action, though.