Enumerated powers are the specific powers granted to the federal government, particularly to Congress, as explicitly listed in the U.S. Constitution, mainly in Article I, Section 8

. These powers define what Congress is authorized to do and include:

• Laying and collecting taxes, duties, imposts, and excises
• Paying debts and providing for the common defense and general welfare
• Regulating commerce with foreign nations, among the states, and with Native American tribes
• Coining money and regulating its value
• Establishing post offices and post roads
• Granting patents and copyrights
• Declaring war
• Raising and supporting armies and navies
• Establishing lower federal courts
• Regulating bankruptcy and naturalization

There are 27 specifically enumerated powers delegated to Congress

. These powers are designed to limit the federal government to the authorities explicitly granted by the Constitution, distinguishing them from implied powers, which are inferred from the Necessary and Proper Clause, and inherent powers, which arise from the government's existence

. The Necessary and Proper Clause (also called the Elastic Clause) allows Congress to make laws needed to execute these enumerated powers, thus broadening Congressional authority beyond the strict text of the Constitution

. In summary, enumerated powers are the constitutionally listed authorities that Congress can exercise to govern the nation effectively, ensuring a balance between federal and state powers within the U.S. federal system