What is a power only reserved for state governments?

The power to conduct elections is exclusively reserved for state governments. This authority enables states to manage their election processes, including local, state, and federal elections that occur within their borders. Each state establishes its own rules and regulations regarding voter registration, the administration of elections, and the conduct of both state and federal elections, in accordance with their state constitutions and laws.

State governments have the constitutional mandate to oversee elections to ensure they reflect the will of their citizens, which can vary widely based on local preferences and contexts. This responsibility includes things like setting the polling locations, determining voting methods (such as mail-in ballots or early voting), and enforcing election laws to guarantee fair and secure processes.

In contrast, the other options relating to the creation of new states, declaring war, and establishing foreign treaties, are powers specifically designated to the federal government. These powers are outlined in the U.S. Constitution and reflect the unique roles that each level of government plays in the structure of American governance.