In 1913 Wisconsin required a physical exam, of males only. By 1930s most other states required exams for males. After WWII blood test became required of both sexes. We have just covered the socio-legal aspects of marriage and we can see how very definitely the state regulates this process and intrudes on the very personal experience of getting married. We marry in America with less knowledge of what we are doing than when buying a car.
Marriage is a contract between husband, wife and the state.
No state offers a copy of it to you to read, and almost no one knows the duties, rights and obligations specified in it. In most states Domestic relations law had been a patchwork, parts of which were usually 200 years old, with essentially four provisions. If the husband moves to Florida from Ct. Husband is responsible for support of wife and children. This is a mixed blessing for wives, because husbands in most states get to manage family income and property.