Certain authorities are reserved solely for either the federal or state levels of a government. These delineated authorities cannot be exercised by any other governmental entity within the system. For example, the federal government maintains the sole ability to coin money and regulate interstate commerce, while states possess the power to oversee education and conduct elections.
The assignment of unique authority to specific levels of government is fundamental to the balance of power and the prevention of tyranny. This system ensures that no single entity becomes too dominant, fostering a more equitable and representative form of governance. Historically, the careful allocation of these authorities has been a constant subject of debate and legal interpretation, shaping the very nature of federalism.