What is the primary responsibility of state, tribal, territorial, and insular area governments?

The primary responsibility of state, tribal, territorial, and insular area governments is to ensure the health and welfare of their residents. This encompasses a broad scope of duties, including public health, safety, education, and infrastructure, which directly affect the quality of life for individuals living within their jurisdictions. State and local governments are often the first line of defense in emergencies and are responsible for developing and implementing plans to protect their communities.

While providing military aid during crises, enforcing federal laws, and managing international relations are important functions in the broader context of governance and response, they are not the primary responsibilities of these governments. Military aid typically falls under the purview of national defense and federal authorities, while enforcement of federal laws is a complementary role to state responsibilities. Additionally, managing international relations and treaties is primarily the responsibility of the federal government, as it involves diplomatic engagements that pertain to the country as a whole rather than local or state-level governance.