The assignment is to create a program that performs various operations on an array of state records. The program allows users to print a state report, sort the states by name, population, capital city, or region, find and print a given state, or quit the program. The program uses either sequential search or binary search depending on the user's choice. The output shows different options and the user can enter their choice. If the user enters an invalid choice, the program will prompt them to try again.