The colonial governmental institution that most clearly spoke for the average colonist was the town meeting. Town meetings were held in New England towns, and they allowed all male citizens to participate in local government. Town meetings discussed and voted on a variety of issues, including taxes, education, and public works. They also elected local officials, such as selectmen and constables. Town meetings were an important part of colonial democracy, and they helped to ensure that the average colonist had a say in how his community was governed.