What is the difference between enumerated (expressed) powers and reserved powers?

What is the difference between enumerated (expressed) powers and reserved powers?

• A. Enumerated powers are federal powers; reserved powers belong to the states (and the people)
• B. Enumerated powers belong to the states; reserved powers belong to the federal government
• C. Both are federal powers, but enumerated are broader
• D. Enumerated powers are derived from the president; reserved powers from Congress

Answer: (A)

Understanding federalism, the Constitution divides power between the national government and the states. Enumerated (expressed) powers are the specific powers granted to the national government and listed in the Constitution (especially Article I, Section 8), such as coining money, regulating interstate commerce, and declaring war. Reserved powers are those kept by the states (and the people), as stated in the Tenth Amendment, meaning anything not delegated to the federal government remains with the states. So the difference is that enumerated powers are federal powers, while reserved powers belong to the states (and the people). The other options mix up who holds the powers or where they come from—for example, suggesting the president or Congress alone holds them, or claiming both categories are federal powers.

Understanding federalism, the Constitution divides power between the national government and the states. Enumerated (expressed) powers are the specific powers granted to the national government and listed in the Constitution (especially Article I, Section 8), such as coining money, regulating interstate commerce, and declaring war. Reserved powers are those kept by the states (and the people), as stated in the Tenth Amendment, meaning anything not delegated to the federal government remains with the states. So the difference is that enumerated powers are federal powers, while reserved powers belong to the states (and the people). The other options mix up who holds the powers or where they come from—for example, suggesting the president or Congress alone holds them, or claiming both categories are federal powers.