What are delegated powers?

Delegated powers refer to those specific authorities granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution. These powers are explicitly outlined in the Constitution to define the scope of federal authority, ensuring that certain responsibilities, such as regulating interstate commerce, coining money, or declaring war, are carried out at the national level. The intent behind delegating these powers is to create a clear structure of governance where the federal government can effectively manage issues that transcend state boundaries or require uniformity across the nation.

In contrast, powers held by the states pertain to the areas of governance that are reserved for state authority, while powers not assigned to any government entity fall under the category of reserved or residual powers. Shared powers describe those responsibilities held concurrently by both federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax or establish courts. Understanding the concept of delegated powers is essential to grasp the framework of the U.S. federal system and its allocation of authority among different levels of government.