Which of the following powers is exclusively granted to the federal government?

The power to declare war is exclusively granted to the federal government as outlined in the Constitution. This authority is established in Article I, Section 8, which specifically designates the power to declare war as a federal responsibility. This is significant because it ensures a unified national defense strategy and prevents individual states from making independent decisions that could conflict with national interests or lead to disjointed military actions. Such an allowance ensures that the declaration of war is made with careful consideration and is centralized under federal oversight, reflecting the need for cohesive and coordinated military efforts.

In contrast, the regulation of commerce within a state typically falls under the jurisdiction of state governments. Similarly, issuing driver's licenses is a power held by state authorities, reflecting each state's autonomy in setting local laws regarding transportation and public safety. Establishing local governments is also a state power, as states have the ability to create and manage local units of government according to their own laws and needs. Thus, declaring war stands out as a clear responsibility assigned solely to the federal government.