Explanation:
Definition of Delegated Powers
Noun
Specific powers granted to Congress as outlined in Article 1, Section 8 of the United States Constitution.
Origin
1788 Ratification of the U.S. Constitution
What are Delegated Powers
The term delegated powers refers to the authorities granted to the United States Congress in of the U.S. Constitution. An important thing to note regarding how enumerated powers are established is that the Constitution does not outline what the government cannot do, but what it can do. Anything not specifically outlined in the Constitution as a power that is bestowed upon Congress, is not something Congress has the authority to do. These are also frequently called “enumerated powers,” because they specifically itemize Congress’ authority.
Congress operates within this paradigm of expected responsibilities and delegated powers, proposing legislation, and voting on it to determine whether or not it will become law. Congress has an important role within the greater legislative process, as it is the branch that initially writes the laws. Members of Congress then promote and vote on these laws, which the President will either sign or veto.
The Constitution works fundamentally as an outline of the responsibilities and authority of the three branches of government, as well as which powers are reserved for the states. This includes detailing what matters Congress has authority over, how much authority it has, and what types of legislation and regulation it may establish. As the Constitution was ratified over two hundred years ago, the process of deciding what issues over which Congress does and does not have authority is still a matter of contention at times.
Congressional Authority over Taxes
No single individual in government has the authority to create a new tax, or to change an existing tax rate. Rather, this authority is delegated to Congress in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. It is only through the congressional process that the American people are assigned new or adjusted taxes, which in turn creates revenue for the federal government.
How Many Delegated Powers Does Congress Have
The Constitution acts as an operating manual for the U.S. government, citing all of the responsibilities and authorities that the federal government holds. Congress has eighteen delegated powers, all of which are listed individually in Article 1, Section 8 of the Constitution. These deal with important issues that affect all citizens of the nation, such as collecting taxes and duties, and making financial decisions regarding borrowing money on behalf of the country. Specifically, Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides the following powers to Congress:
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
To borrow Money on the credit of the United States;
To regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes;
To establish an uniform Rule of Naturalization, and uniform Laws on the subject of Bankruptcies throughout the United States;
To coin Money, regulate the Value thereof, and of foreign Coin, and fix the Standard of Weights and Measures;
To provide for the Punishment of counterfeiting the Securities and current Coin of the United States;
To establish Post Offices and post Roads;
To promote the Progress of Science and useful Arts, by securing for limited Times to Authors and Inventors the exclusive Right to their respective Writings and Discoveries;
To constitute Tribunals inferior to the supreme Court;
To define and punish Piracies and Felonies committed on the high Seas, and Offences against the Law of Nations;
To declare War, grant Letters of Marque and Reprisal, and make Rules concerning Captures on Land and Water;
To raise and support Armies, but no Appropriation of Money to that Use shall be for a longer Term than two Years;
To provide and maintain a Navy;
To make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces;
To provide for calling forth the Militia to execute the Laws of the Union, suppress Insurrections and repel Invasions;
