GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
During a national emergency, the President issues an executive order instructing federal agencies to reallocate funds and resources to address a critical infrastructure threat, even though Congress has not yet passed specific legislation for this action. The President justifies this by citing inherent powers necessary to protect the nation. This exercise of presidential power, not explicitly listed in the Constitution but considered essential for carrying out the executive's duties, is an example of:
- AImplied Powers
- BConcurrent Powers
- CExpressed Powers
- DReserved Powers
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Implied Powers
Implied powers are those not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers. The President's actions in a national emergency, though not directly written, are often justified as implied powers stemming from the executive's role as commander-in-chief and chief executive.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Concurrent powers are shared by both federal and state governments.
- C. Expressed (or enumerated) powers are explicitly written in the Constitution.
- D. Reserved powers are those kept by the states or the people, as per the Tenth Amendment.
Implied Powers (Executive)
Powers of the President that are not explicitly written in the Constitution but are considered necessary to carry out the enumerated powers and responsibilities of the executive branch.
- Derived from the 'vesting clause' (Article II, Section 1).
- Often exercised in areas like foreign policy, national security, or emergency management.
- Subject to debate and potential checks by other branches.
Memory trick: Powers are Expressed, Implied, Concurrent, or Reserved.