Government Glossary

Enumerated Powers

Enumerated Powers are powers specifically listed in the Constitution. For Congress, the main list is in Article I, Section 8, including taxing, borrowing, commerce, war, courts, post offices, patents, copyrights, and the power to pass necessary and proper laws to carry those powers into effect.

Plain-English Meaning

Enumerated Powers are powers specifically listed in the Constitution. For Congress, the main list is in Article I, Section 8, including taxing, borrowing, commerce, war, courts, post offices, patents, copyrights, and the power to pass necessary and proper laws to carry those powers into effect.

Related Guide Pages

Powers Of CongressCongress turns constitutional authority into laws, taxes, spending decisions, oversight, investigations, confirmations, impeachment, and limits on the other branches.What Is Congress?A plain-English explanation of Congress as the Article I legislative branch, divided into the House and Senate, with lawmaking, spending, oversight, representation, and special chamber powers.