Which of the following is NOT a power granted to the federal government?

• A. Print money
• B. Declare war
• C. Establish public schools
• D. Make treaties

Answer: (C)

Powers allocated to the national government include functions written directly into the Constitution, like coining money, waging war, and making treaties. Coining money is handled by the federal government to keep a stable national currency; the power to declare war is a federal responsibility given to Congress; and the president negotiates treaties with other countries, which must be approved by the Senate. Establishing public schools, however, is not granted to the federal government in the Constitution and is traditionally a state and local responsibility. The federal government may influence education through funding and policy programs, but the authority to establish and run public schools lies with states.