The states of America are personified. After All, Alfred is the United States of America for a reason. He is the nation and helps keep the states United. Some of them were colonies of former countries and as such resemble and have certain traits to some of the nations. But they still love Alfred, no matter what happens they care about him. Like the countries they also hold meetings.

As they grew older their meetings only became more interesting.

They do of course know how to be serious.