Which power is held by the federal government under the Constitution?

The power to declare war is specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. This authority is outlined in Article I, Section 8, where Congress is given the power to declare war and raise and support armies. This delineation is crucial because it centralizes the decision-making power regarding military action in the federal government, ensuring a unified strategy and response when it comes to national defense and military engagements.

In contrast, conducting elections is primarily a power held by the states, each having its own regulations and systems for managing the election process. Regulating education is also a responsibility mainly at the state level, as states have the authority to establish and maintain public school systems. Establishing local governments is another power managed by the states, which have the discretion to create local entities and their governance structures to best serve their communities. Thus, the power to declare war distinctly reflects a constitutional power assigned to the federal government.