Federal laws apply to everyone in the United States of America. State laws, on the other hand, apply to people who live or work in a particular state. The federal government has the right to regulate the mail, declare war, or conduct foreign affairs. The state government and the federal government both have the power to tax. The state government can exercise important functions in the United States, plan and pay for most roads, run public schools, provide water, organize police and fire services, and much more. Although the Federal government makes decisions for the United States as a whole, the State government isn't powerless, they have many rights do declare many things in their own state.
