[mvpel]

what function do the states serve? Seriously, there is dubious benefit to the individual states.

The fact that you're asking that question at all is indicative of how far away we've fallen from the Constitutional Republic that the founders established. I suggest that you read "The Federalist Papers" for starters to get an understanding as to what function the states are supposed to serve.

[longtermmemmory]

sorry I should have put a (/s) IMO states do serve a function. Especially in the electoral college and for flyover country. Otherwise california would rule the USA. Can U say senator streisand?