definition
bill of attainder
concurrent powers
delegated powers
elastic clause
enumerated powers
ex post facto law
exclusive powers
federalism
general welfare
implied powers
inherent powers
prohibited powers
reserved powers
1. Bill of Attainder: A legislative act that declares a person or a group guilty of a crime and imposes punishment, typically without a trial. It is prohibited under the U.S. Constitution as it violates the principles of due process and separation of powers.
2. Concurrent Powers: Powers that are shared by both the federal government and the state governments. Examples include the power to tax, establish courts, and regulate commerce.
3. Delegated Powers: Powers specifically granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution. These powers are listed in Article I, Section 8, and include the power to coin money, regulate interstate commerce, declare war, etc.
4. Elastic Clause: Also known as the Necessary and Proper Clause, it is a provision in the U.S. Constitution (Article I, Section 8) that grants Congress the power to pass laws necessary and proper to carry out its enumerated powers.
5. Enumerated Powers: Powers explicitly listed in the U.S. Constitution that are granted exclusively to the federal government. Examples include the power to declare war, regulate interstate commerce, and establish a postal system.
6. Ex Post Facto Law: A law that retroactively changes the legal consequences or classification of an action, making it criminal after it has been committed. The U.S. Constitution prohibits the passage of ex post facto laws.
7. Exclusive Powers: Powers that are only granted to either the federal government or the state governments. Examples include the power to coin money (exclusive to the federal government) and the power to regulate intrastate commerce (exclusive to the state governments).
8. Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority (federal government) and constituent political units (state governments). It allows for a balance of power and the delegation of certain powers to both levels of government.
9. General Welfare: A phrase found in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which states that one of the purposes of the government is to promote the well-being and prosperity of its citizens.
10. Implied Powers: Powers that are not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution, but are reasonably implied or inferred from the enumerated powers. These powers are derived from the necessary and proper clause.
11. Inherent Powers: Powers that are inherent or natural to any sovereign government. They are not explicitly granted in the Constitution but are necessary to execute its enumerated powers and to ensure the well-being and security of the nation.
12. Prohibited Powers: Powers that are explicitly denied to the federal government or the state governments by the U.S. Constitution. Examples include passing bills of attainder, granting titles of nobility, and making treaties with foreign countries.
13. Reserved Powers: Powers that are not granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution and are therefore reserved for the states. Examples include the power to establish local governments, regulate intrastate commerce, and conduct elections.