What is a key feature of the state-use system?

The state-use system is characterized by the production of goods specifically intended for use within the prison system or by government agencies. This means that the manufactured items are not sold in the open market but rather serve a direct purpose within state operations. The intention behind this system is often to reduce costs for the state and provide inmates with work opportunities, while ensuring that the products created are utilized effectively by governmental functions.

In contrast, focusing on exporting goods would involve generating profit through private industry, which is not the primary goal of the state-use system. Additionally, allowing inmates to sell products independently would deviate from the structured framework of the system, where output is controlled and designated for specific institutional or governmental use. Lastly, while retraining inmates for the job market is an important aspect of prison programs, it is not a defining characteristic of the state-use system, which centers specifically on manufacturing for internal consumption rather than preparing inmates for external employment.