Which term refers to powers that are specifically stated in the Constitution?

The term that refers to powers that are specifically stated in the Constitution is "expressed powers." These powers are explicitly enumerated in the document and grant certain authorities to the federal government. For example, the Constitution outlines the powers of Congress in Article I, Section 8, which includes the ability to levy taxes, regulate commerce, declare war, and maintain an army.

This designation of powers ensures clarity and limits the scope of government authority, as the federal government can only act within the bounds of these explicitly granted powers. The Constitution's framers included this concept to create a system of checks and balances, ensuring that power would not be overstepped by any one branch of government.

In contrast, implied powers are those not specifically mentioned in the Constitution but are assumed to exist due to their relation to expressed powers. Concurrent powers are those shared by both federal and state governments, while reserved powers are those that are not granted to the federal government nor prohibited to the states, typically reserved for the states themselves. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for grasping the structure of the U.S. government.