Government Glossary

Implied Powers

Implied Powers are powers not stated word-for-word but reasonably connected to carrying out a power the Constitution does grant. Congress uses implied powers when it creates practical legal tools, agencies, procedures, or programs needed to execute its enumerated powers.

Plain-English Meaning

Implied Powers are powers not stated word-for-word but reasonably connected to carrying out a power the Constitution does grant. Congress uses implied powers when it creates practical legal tools, agencies, procedures, or programs needed to execute its enumerated powers.

Related Guide Pages

Powers Of CongressCongress turns constitutional authority into laws, taxes, spending decisions, oversight, investigations, confirmations, impeachment, and limits on the other branches.Types of Federal LawHow statutes, regulations, executive actions, court opinions, agency guidance, and official publications fit together — and which sources are actually binding.