U.S. Constitution: Delegated, Reserved & Concurrent Powers

What is a "delegated power"?

A power given to the National (Federal) government.

What is a "reserved power"?

A power kept by the State governments.

What is a "concurrent power"?

A power that both the Federal and State governments hold.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Make & Enforce Laws

Concurrent.

There are some Federal Laws for the whole country (no moving drugs across state lines), while each state has its own set of laws for other things (speed limits on the highways).These powers are shared by both levels of government, allowing them to legislate and enforce laws simultaneously within their respective jurisdictions.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Establish Courts of Law

Concurrent.

There are some Federal Laws for the whole country (no moving drugs across state lines), while each state has its own set of laws for other things (speed limits on the highways). These powers are shared by both levels of government, enabling them to create and maintain a judicial system in their respective jurisdictions.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Manage & Create Schools

Reserved

Only states can create, open, or close schools. Your school is chartered, approved, and evaluated under the laws of your state. States have exclusive authority over education.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Print ("coin") Money

Delegated

The only legal money is made by the Department of the Treasury in a Federal Mint. It's why money says, "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in big letters. This power allows the federal government to produce and regulate currency, ensuring a stable and uniform monetary system across the nation.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Ratify (Approve) Amendments to the Constitution

Reserved

While Congress proposes Amendments, 3/4 of the states need to approve the Amendments for them to be ratified. This power is primarily held by the states, emphasizing their role in the constitutional amendment process, ensuring state representation in changes to the Constitution.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Provide a Military/Army

Delegated

There are no state militaries. The U.S. Congress organizes and supports the U.S. Armed Forces. This power enables the federal government to raise and maintain a military force, ensuring national defense and security for all states.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Declare War

Delegated

Only the U.S. Congress can declare war. This power allows the federal government to engage in military conflict and mobilize armed forces, reflecting the constitutional authority of Congress in matters of national defense.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Collect Taxes

Concurrent

People pay a Federal Income tax, in addition to Income & Sales taxes charged by states. This power allows both the federal and state governments to levy taxes, ensuring revenue collection for various public services and functions at different government levels.

Delegated, Reserved, or Concurrent?:
Conduct (plan & set up) Elections

Reserved

While we vote for local, state, and national elections, our states decide who can vote, how we register, and when & where we vote. When I want to vote, I go to the California DMV office to apply. This power allows states to manage the electoral process, ensuring that local preferences and procedures are respected in the selection of representatives.