In a federal system, what are powers shared by both the national government and the states called?

• A. Enumerated
• B. Reserved
• C. Concurrent
• D. Implied

Answer: (C)

In a federal system, some powers are shared by both the national government and the states. These shared powers are called concurrent powers. They allow both levels to act in areas like taxation, borrowing money, creating laws, enforcing laws, and running courts. Because both levels can exercise these powers, the system can respond to national needs while still addressing local concerns. When there’s a conflict between federal and state laws, the Supremacy Clause generally makes federal law prevail, helping keep the two levels coordinated. Other terms describe powers that belong to one level or are inferred from others: enumerated powers are those specifically listed for the national government, reserved powers belong to the states, and implied powers are those suggested by the Necessary and Proper Clause to carry out enumerated powers.