U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentEasy
An immigrant is studying the U.S. Constitution and learns about the powers specifically granted to the federal government. Which of the following is an enumerated power of the U.S. Congress?
- AEstablishing public schools
- BDeclaring war
- CConducting elections
- DIssuing driver's licenses
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Declaring war
Declaring war is an enumerated power specifically granted to the U.S. Congress by the Constitution, ensuring the legislative branch has this critical authority.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Establishing public schools is primarily a state and local government responsibility.
- C. Conducting elections is largely managed by state governments, though Congress has some regulatory power.
- D. Issuing driver's licenses is a power reserved to the states.
Enumerated Powers of Congress
Specific powers granted to the U.S. Congress by Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, detailing what the federal legislature can do.
- Include powers like declaring war, coining money, regulating commerce
- Limits Congress's authority to only what is listed
- Contrasts with reserved powers for states
Memory trick: Congress has a 'laundry list' of specific powers.