Powers inherent to a sovereign nation that the national government holds by virtue of being a national government are called what?

• A. Enumerated powers
• B. Implied powers
• C. Inherent powers
• D. Concurrent powers

Answer: (C)

Inherent powers are the powers a national government has simply because it is a sovereign state. They come from the very nature of sovereignty, not from specific words in the Constitution, and they are needed to conduct the nation’s essential functions—especially in foreign affairs and national security. Because a government must interact with other nations, control borders, acquire territory, recognize other governments, and manage diplomacy, these powers are assumed as part of being the national government, even if they aren’t spelled out somewhere in the text.

This is why it’s described as powers the national government holds by virtue of being a national government. They aren’t limited to what is enumerated or expressed in the Constitution, and they aren’t shared with states. In contrast, enumerated powers are those clearly listed in the Constitution, implied powers are inferred to carry out those enumerated powers via the Necessary and Proper Clause, and concurrent powers are powers that both the national and state governments may exercise.