Which of the following is a characteristic of long-term obligations?

Long-term obligations are defined by their duration, specifically being issued for a period that exceeds one year. This characteristic is fundamental because it distinguishes them from short-term obligations, which have shorter maturities. Long-term obligations can take various forms, including bonds and loans, and they are typically utilized to finance projects or expenditures that require a longer repayment horizon.

Other choices present misconceptions about long-term obligations. For instance, lower interest rates are often associated with shorter-term obligations due to lower risk; thus, this does not properly describe long-term obligations. The assertion that only state governments can issue long-term obligations is also inaccurate, as both public and private entities can issue such obligations for various financing needs. Lastly, it is incorrect to say that long-term obligations do not involve interest payments, as they generally do. Therefore, stating that long-term obligations are issued for a period of time greater than one year accurately captures their defining characteristic.