I see a federal government doing about 4 things. ONLY 4 things.
1. Defend the nation from attack & invasion (borders and coasts included)
2. Assure trade between the states is free (not regulate it) and they all use the same weights and measures. A pound in one is the same as a pound in another.
3. A federal court that ensures the states are not violating the Bill of Rights.
4. Hunt down and execute child molesters and child pornographers.
How conservative is that?
That’s pretty darned good. I would add (as did the founders) a post office and coining money (not the Federal Reserve).