What are the powers called that are not expressly stated but suggested by the Constitution?

The powers that are not expressly stated in the Constitution but are suggested by its text are known as implied powers. These powers arise from the Necessary and Proper Clause, also referred to as the Elastic Clause, which allows Congress to make laws that are necessary for executing its enumerated powers. This framework enables the government to adapt to changing circumstances and to carry out its functions effectively even when specific powers are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.

For example, while the Constitution may not specifically mention the power to create a national bank, it implies that such a power exists under the authority to regulate commerce and collect taxes. Implied powers play a crucial role in allowing the federal government to respond to contemporary needs and situations that the founding fathers could not have anticipated.

Other types of powers mentioned have distinct definitions: delegated powers are specifically assigned to the federal government by the Constitution; reserved powers are those that are not granted to the federal government and are retained by the states; and concurrent powers are those that are shared by both the federal and state governments. Each of these categories has its specific role within the structure of American governance, but the focus of this question is on implied powers, which expand the federal government’s authority beyond the text of the Constitution.