What powers are given to the federal government by the Constitution?

To prevent the federal government from becoming too powerful the Founders made sure its powers were limited and well defined. The powers given to the federal government are listed in the constitution. It has the powers listed there and nothing more.
In general, the federal government’s powers are limited to areas that are of interest to the states as a whole and that are best handled at the national level. Those powers include providing a national defense, dealing with foreign nations, regulating commerce, financing the federal government, and other things that affect all the states. All other powers are left to the states or to the people.

The Constitution gives the federal government a number of powers to provide the national defense. The federal government can declare war, raise and support armies, provide and maintain a navy, and govern and regulate the armed forces. Additionally the federal government can organize, arm, and discipline the states’ militias and call them into the service of the federal government when needed.

The federal government is given powers that allow it to deal with foreign nations. The federal government can regulate commerce with foreign nations, set the value of foreign money, make treaties, appoint ambassadors and consuls, control immigration, and declare war. To prevent the states from interfering in foreign affairs, the Constitution prevents the states from entering into treaties or agreements with foreign nations.

The federal government is given powers related to commerce. Those powers include regulating commerce with foreign nations and between the states, coining money and regulating its value, and creating standards for weights and measures. Other powers related to commerce include establishing a post office, issuing patents and copyrights, and creating bankruptcy laws.

The federal government has power to finance its operations. It can collect taxes and borrow money. It can pay the debts it incurs.

The federal government has a few other powers. Those powers include creating and operating a federal court system, controlling immigration, and establishing a capital.

We can see that the powers given to the federal government are few and are well defined. This allows the federal government to do what needs to be done at the national level while preventing it from becoming too powerful and oppressive.

Published July 13, 2017