What are delegated powers?

Delegated powers, also known as enumerated powers, are those powers that are specifically listed and granted to the federal government by the Constitution. This concept is rooted in the structure of American government, where the Constitution outlines distinct responsibilities and authority among the branches of government. By explicitly stating these powers, the Constitution creates a clear framework for the federal government's operations, allowing it to function effectively while also limiting its authority to only those powers that are granted.

Understanding this helps clarify why the other options do not fit the definition of delegated powers. Powers derived from the President refer to the executive authority and responsibilities that stem from the executive branch itself, while powers reserved for the states pertain to those not explicitly given to the federal government and are instead preserved for state governments, as outlined in the Tenth Amendment. Lastly, powers granted to local governments are typically determined by state legislatures and do not fall under the ambit of delegated powers as defined by the federal Constitution.