Crossword Genius

Burden on the States (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

onus

'burden' is the definition.
('onus' can be a synonym of 'burden')

'on the states' is the wordplay.
'the states' becomes 'us' (abbreviation for the United States).
'on'+'us'='ONUS'

(Other definitions for onus that I've seen before include "Duty or responsibility" , "Capulet opponent (R&J)" , "Obligation - charge" , "'Responsibility, task or burden (4)'" , "Encumbrance" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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