What are the powers explicitly granted to a branch of the federal government by the Constitution called?

The powers explicitly granted to a branch of the federal government by the Constitution are referred to as expressed, or enumerated, powers. These are clearly outlined in the text of the Constitution, primarily in Article I, Section 8, which enumerates the specific powers of Congress, such as the power to tax, the power to regulate commerce, and the power to declare war.

This term highlights the fact that these powers are not just implied or assumed but specifically listed, providing clarity about what the federal government is authorized to do. This helps establish the framework for federal governance and limits governmental action to only those powers that are explicitly stated.

In contrast, inherent powers refer to those that are not explicitly listed but are necessary for a government to function effectively, often tied to the sovereignty of the nation. Implied powers are those powers not explicitly stated but assumed to exist to allow Congress to carry out its enumerated powers. Concurrent powers are those shared by both federal and state governments, such as the ability to tax. Understanding the distinction among these types of powers is critical in analyzing the structure and function of the federal government as outlined in the Constitution.