Which of the following is a power of the federal government under the United States Constitution?

• A. Establish public schools
• B. Print money
• C. Hold elections for state offices
• D. Regulate local schools

Answer: (B)

Money in the United States is controlled by the federal government through its power to coin money and regulate its value. The Constitution grants Congress the authority “to coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin,” giving the federal level the exclusive say over currency. That’s why printing (and minting) money is a federal function, carried out by agencies like the U.S. Mint and the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and why there’s a single national currency.

In contrast, establishing public schools, holding elections for state offices, and regulating local schools are typically handled by state and local governments. The Constitution reserves many, if not most, of those responsibilities to the states. So the federal power that matches the question is the one involving money creation and standard-setting.