What is the primary function of state governments?

The primary function of state governments is to create and enforce laws, manage state resources, and provide public services. State governments have significant responsibilities that address the needs and welfare of their residents. They formulate laws that govern various aspects of daily life, including education, transportation, healthcare, and public safety. Additionally, state governments manage resources such as public lands and finances, ensuring that they are used effectively for the benefit of the citizens.

Moreover, a crucial aspect of state government is the provision of public services ranging from infrastructure maintenance to law enforcement and social services, which directly impact the quality of life for individuals within the state. The state's ability to tailor these functions according to local needs and context underscores their vital role in governance.

The other options do not reflect the essential and direct responsibilities of state governments. For example, establishing international treaties is a function reserved for the federal government, not the states. While state governments certainly interact with and can influence local governments, they do not oversee their operations in the sense of direct management. Instead, they provide a framework within which local governments operate.