U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics student is learning about the different types of powers outlined in the U.S. Constitution. Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments are known as which of the following?
- AEnumerated powers
- BConcurrent powers
- CInherent powers
- DReserved powers
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Concurrent powers
Concurrent powers are those political powers which are shared by both the federal government and the state governments. Examples include the power to tax, build roads, and establish courts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Enumerated powers are specifically granted to the federal government.
- C. Inherent powers are those naturally belonging to a sovereign nation, not shared between levels of government.
- D. Reserved powers are held solely by the states, not shared.
Concurrent Powers
Powers that are shared by both the federal government and state governments under the U.S. Constitution.
- Exercised by both federal and state governments.
- Examples: taxing, building roads, establishing courts.
- Part of the federal system.
Memory trick: Concurrent powers: 'Con-current' means 'running together' – both federal and state.