AP US Gov & Politics: Constitutional Terms, Clauses & Amdts.

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Enumerated Powers

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Powers specifically given to Congress in the Constitution; including the power to collect taxes, coin money, regulate foreign and interstate commerce, and declare war. Article I, Section 8. (Sometimes called expressed powers)

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Implied Powers

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Powers inferred from the express powers that allow Congress to carry out its functions. Derived from language in the Necessary & Proper Clause (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18)

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Formal Powers

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Specific powers given to the president by the Constitution (Article II) Includes the power to sign or veto legislation, command the armed forces, ask for the written opinion of their Cabinet, convene or adjourn Congress, grant reprieves and pardons, and receive ambassadors.

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Informal Powers

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Powers of the president not expressly given by the Constitution. Bargaining & persuasion, executive orders, executive agreements, signing statements, etc.

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Commerce Clause

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The clause in the Constitution (Article I, Section 8, Clause 1) that gives Congress the power to regulate all business activities that cross state lines or affect more than one state or other nations.

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Necessary & Proper Clause

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Constitutional clause that gives Congress the power to make all laws 'necessary and proper' for executing its powers (Article I, Section 8, Clause 18).

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Reserved Powers

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Powers not specifically granted to the federal government or denied to the states belong to the states and the people (language from the 10th Amendment).

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Delegated Powers

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Powers specifically given to the federal government by the US Constitution, for example, the authority to print money. Sometimes called Exclusive Powers.

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Concurrent Powers

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Powers held jointly by the national and state governments.

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Due Process Clause

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Clause in the Fifth Amendment limiting the power of the national government; also a clause in the Fourteenth Amendment prohibiting state governments from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law. 14th Amendment's is the basis for the concept of selective incorporation.