---
title: "Delegated (Enumerated) Powers Definition | Model Diplomat"
description: "Delegated powers are authorities granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution, crucial for understanding the structure of U.S. governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/delegated-powers"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Delegated (enumerated) powers are those authorities the U.
- S.
- Where in the Constitution are the delegated powers of Congress primarily listed?
- How do delegated powers differ from reserved and concurrent powers?
- What is the difference between expressed and implied powers?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Delegated (enumerated) powers are those authorities the U.S. Constitution expressly grants to the federal government, chiefly to Congress under Article I, Section 8.

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In NFIB v. Sebelius (2012), Chief Justice John Roberts upheld the Affordable Care Act's individual mandate under Congress's enumerated taxing power, while rejecting it as an overreach of the Commerce Clause.

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