What authority does the federal government have over the states?

The federal government holds specific powers that are outlined in the Constitution, and one of these is the authority to declare war. This responsibility is designated to the national government, reflecting its role in managing national defense and engaging with foreign nations.

The power to declare war is fundamentally connected to the purpose of having a unified national defense, allowing the federal government to act decisively on behalf of the entire country. This capacity ensures that states cannot independently engage in warfare, which could lead to conflicting actions and weaken national unity and security.

In contrast, regulating education, issuing marriage licenses, and enforcing traffic regulations are primarily within the jurisdiction of state governments. States have the authority to create and manage their own educational systems, establish marriage laws, and enforce traffic regulations based on local needs and contexts. These responsibilities showcase the balance of power in the federal system, where both state and federal governments have distinct roles.