Configuring information feilds for orders... 1 default country and enabling states

[joshsherm]

How do I remove the "country" dropdown select box during the first step of checking out an order?

Also I need to enable states... I see a list of USA states in the backend, but it doesnt appear on the ofrontend ordering page.... So when I hit "next", it tells me to select a state.... but there is dropdown box to select from

Your help is appreciated....