Which term describes powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to Congress?

Which term describes powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to Congress?

• A. Enumerated powers
• B. Implied powers
• C. Inherent powers
• D. Reserved powers

Answer: (A)

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to Congress are called enumerated powers. They’re spelled out in the text, especially in Article I, Section 8, and include actions like taxing, coining money, regulating interstate commerce, declaring war, and raising armies. They’re described as enumerated because the Constitution lists them one by one. This is different from implied powers, which come from the Necessary and Proper Clause to do what’s needed to execute the enumerated powers even if a specific action isn’t written word-for-word. It also differs from inherent powers, which arise from the national government’s status as a sovereign entity, and from reserved powers, which belong to the states under the 10th Amendment.

Powers explicitly listed in the Constitution as belonging to Congress are called enumerated powers. They’re spelled out in the text, especially in Article I, Section 8, and include actions like taxing, coining money, regulating interstate commerce, declaring war, and raising armies. They’re described as enumerated because the Constitution lists them one by one. This is different from implied powers, which come from the Necessary and Proper Clause to do what’s needed to execute the enumerated powers even if a specific action isn’t written word-for-word. It also differs from inherent powers, which arise from the national government’s status as a sovereign entity, and from reserved powers, which belong to the states under the 10th Amendment.