GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A constitutional scholar is analyzing the enumerated powers of Congress as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. They note powers such as the ability to declare war, coin money, and regulate interstate commerce. The existence of these specific, listed powers is a direct reflection of which core principle of the U.S. government?
- AConcurrent powers
- BLimited government
- CImplied powers
- DJudicial review
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Limited government
Enumerated powers directly limit the scope of federal government action by explicitly listing what it can do. This inherent restriction of power is a cornerstone of the principle of limited government.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Concurrent powers are those shared by both federal and state governments, not a principle that inherently limits the federal government's scope.
- C. Implied powers are those not explicitly listed but necessary to carry out enumerated powers; they expand, rather than explicitly limit, government power.
- D. Judicial review is the power of courts to determine if laws are constitutional, not a principle defining the scope of government power itself.
Limited Government
A principle of constitutional government where the powers of the government are restricted by a constitution or laws, preventing tyranny and protecting individual liberties.
- Government is not all-powerful and must obey the law.
- Often achieved through enumerated powers, a bill of rights, and a system of checks and balances.
- Ensures that individual rights and freedoms are protected from government overreach.
Memory trick: Listed powers mean 'Limited' government.