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Enumerated Powers

Definition

Enumerated powers are specific authorities granted to Congress as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution.

Related terms

Implied Powers: These are political powers granted to United States government that aren’t explicitly stated in its constitution but inferred from necessary and proper clause.

Necessary and Proper Clause (Elastic Clause): A provision in Article I, Section 8 allowing Congress to pass all laws necessary and proper for carrying out enumerated list of powers.

Reserved Powers: These are powers which are not "enumerated" (written down, assigned). They are reserved to the states or the people under the Tenth Amendment.

"Enumerated Powers" appears in:

Study guides (3)

AP US Government - 1.8 Constitutional Interpretations of Federalism
AP US Government - 1.9 Federalism in Action
AP US Government - 2.1 Congress: The Senate and the House of Representatives

Practice Questions (3)

What are enumerated powers?
What's a significant difference between enumerated powers of the federal government and reserved powers for states under the Tenth Amendment?
What potential challenge could arise from an overly rigid interpretation of enumerated powers by future congresses?

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