What is the difference between enumerated (expressed) powers and reserved powers?

What is the difference between enumerated (expressed) powers and reserved powers?

• A. Enumerated powers are federal powers; reserved powers belong to the states (and the people)
• B. Enumerated powers belong to the states; reserved powers belong to the federal government
• C. Both are federal powers, but enumerated are broader
• D. Enumerated powers are derived from the president; reserved powers from Congress

Answer: (A)

The difference being tested is how power is distributed in the American system of federalism. Enumerated (expressed) powers are the specific powers granted to the federal government by the Constitution, mainly listed for Congress and the national government. These include actions like coining money, declaring war, and regulating interstate and foreign commerce.

Reserved powers come from the Tenth Amendment, which says powers not delegated to the federal government and not prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or the people. This means many everyday functions—such as education policy, police powers, licensing, and intrastate commerce—stay with the states or with the people.

So the best description is that enumerated powers are federal powers, while reserved powers belong to the states (and the people). The other statements mix up who holds authority or confuse the source of the powers.