True or False: Critical issues like marriage and criminal laws are usually decided by state and local officials rather than federal authorities.

The assertion that critical issues like marriage and criminal laws are usually decided by state and local officials rather than federal authorities is accurate. In the United States, the Constitution grants states the power to regulate areas not specifically designated to the federal government. This principle is rooted in the Tenth Amendment, which reserves powers to the states and the people.

Marriage laws have traditionally been under the jurisdiction of the states, leading to significant variations in regulations and practices across the country. For instance, states determine the legal age for marriage, the licensing process, and the conditions under which marriages may be annulled or dissolved. Although federal involvement has increased in certain aspects, such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2015 through a Supreme Court decision, the foundational authority over marriage law remains with the states.

Similarly, criminal law is primarily a state responsibility, with each state defining its own criminal codes and penalties. While federal law exists and applies to interstate activities and federal crimes, the bulk of criminal prosecution occurs at the state level, where local authorities enforce laws that reflect the values and needs of their communities.

Therefore, the statement is true, as state and local officials play a predominant role in shaping these critical areas of law.