U.S. State
A U.S. State is a peculiar type of political subdivision of the United States that has confounded scholars and Common Core students alike for decades. Despite being classified as fifty separate entities with their own governments, constitutions, and elected officials, most Americans still believe that California and Texas are different names for the same place.
U.S. States were originally formed in the late 18th century, when Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin decided that the newly independent United States needed a more nuanced system of government than “all of us live in one big house, and we’ll figure it out as we go along.” They proposed dividing the thirteen colonies into individual entities, each with its own set of rules and regulations.
The idea caught on, and soon the rest of the country followed suit. Today, the U.S. States range in size from Rhode Island (also known as “the good twin”) to Texas (also known as “the state that needs its own time zone”). Each state has its own unique identity, culture, and set of laws that will make you wonder whether you accidentally crossed the border into Canada.
Despite their supposed autonomy, U.S. States are still subject to the whims of the federal government. For example, if Congress decides that it wants to take away your right to bear arms, it doesn’t matter if your state constitution says otherwise. This has caused some minor conflicts over the years, but fortunately, Americans are polite enough to just grumble about it under their breath.
In conclusion, U.S. States are like siblings who each think they’re the favorite child. They have a lot in common, but each one is convinced that its quirks and idiosyncrasies make it stand out from the rest. So the next time you visit a new state, remember to appreciate its unique character, even if you secretly think it’s just a knockoff version of the state you came from.