the federal government's job is to do three things.
1 provide education for the nation. ie pay the teachers.
2 provide for the safety of the people.
3 represent the people in international affairs.
that's it nothing more.
under education falls
nasa would fall because without research there isn't anything to teach.
under public safety falls
the military.
the federal highways. specifically the interstate which was designed and built for the rapid deployment of the military if the country should be invaded.
under representing us
1 sign trade treaties such as nafta.
2 declare war such as iraq. no matter what you call it when you authorize use of military force it is a war.
3 peace treaties.
and to pay for all of this they have a right to tax.