Actually, according to 'states rights' each state is(was) a sovereign state. Originally, (check your history, circa. the time of the founding fathers, Bill of Rights, and the Constitution), we are(were) supposed to be united sovereign, states, with a central (federal government) with both limitations, as to its powers, and duties to perform, such as protecting the borders, tariffs, etc etc. If you want to look it up, its there, and the reason a lot of people are up tight, at the federal government getting too big, and invasive, of the states rights. (This is why certain laws, vary from state to state...in case you weren't sure of that. Just, as of recent, 23 states, re-declared it..( I think as a reminder to the federal government, that they in fact are not in favor of some of the feds policies, regarding this issue!)