Benefits, rights, and privileges of marriage?

[LadyShea]

Originally Posted by godfry n. glad

Then there is the whole insurance issue, as well.

What insurance issue? You mean health insurance?

Yeah, that's private business though, here in the US, and they can choose criteria. That's not a right given by the government.

I am mostly interested in why the government is involved in marriage at all. People should be able to choose to marry if they want, but it shouldn't, IMO convey rights. Each individual should be able to designate any other person to be the beneficiary of whatever rights are afforded by spouse. Does anyone know what exactly they are, even?