Why may Governments want to State Provide some Goods and Services? What influences how Intense they go?

-Government to Encourage the Consumption of Merit Goods, like Health and Education - Long term Economic Benefits -Reduce Inequalities as its Free [If its Provided Freely] -Redistribute Income - Money needed to Pay can come from Taxing the Wealthy -Ultimately it is a Value Judgement by the Government, as they Chose the Amount