What is one of the responsibilities of the federal government?

The responsibility of the federal government to provide national defense is foundational to its role. This duty is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, which emphasizes the government's obligation to protect the nation from external threats and maintain the security of its citizens. The federal government organizes and funds the military and various defense institutions to ensure the country's readiness against foreign aggression and to promote national security.

In contrast, the regulation of state laws primarily falls under the purview of state governments, reflecting the principle of federalism wherein states have the authority to govern their own affairs unless overridden by federal legislation. Managing local schools is typically a responsibility of local and state governments, as education is largely handled at those levels to address community-specific needs. Similarly, the supervision of state elections is managed by state authorities, ensuring that local electoral processes align with state laws while being guided by federal standards. Thus, national defense stands out as a distinct and critical responsibility solely held by the federal government.