Delegated Powers
Delegated powers are authorities the Constitution grants to the federal government. Congress may legislate only under a specific power enumerated in the Constitution; the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the United States and not prohibited to the states to the states or the people.
Delegated powers are authorities the Constitution grants to the federal government. Congress may legislate only under a specific power enumerated in the Constitution; the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the United States and not prohibited to the states to the states or the people.
Example: The Coinage Act of 1792 established the U.S. Mint and directed it to strike coins of specified denominations.
Common misconception: The Tenth Amendment does not say that federal powers must be “expressly” delegated: both houses of Congress refused to insert “expressly” before “delegated” in the amendment.
Sources: Congress and Law Enforcement Reform: Constitutional Authority; Historical Background on Tenth Amendment; Coinage Act of 1792