What is one function of state governments in the United States?

State governments in the United States have a variety of functions, one of which is to set marriage laws. Each state has the authority to regulate marriage, including the legal age to marry, the process for obtaining marriage licenses, and the requirements for marriage ceremonies. This power is derived from the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution, which reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states.

The choice regarding creating national parks falls under federal jurisdiction, as national parks are managed by the National Park Service. Minting money is solely a federal responsibility, assigned to the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Federal Reserve. Managing interstate highways is primarily a federal function as well, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Transportation, though states maintain and manage highways within their own boundaries. Thus, setting marriage laws is distinctly a state function and reflects the states' rights to regulate various aspects of life within their borders.