The authority granted to the federal government by the U.S. Constitution which allows it to make decisions and take actions that affect issues on a national scale.
Related terms
Enumerated Powers: The powers specifically listed in the Constitution that are granted to the federal government.
Supremacy Clause: A clause in the Constitution that establishes that federal laws take precedence over conflicting state laws.
Elastic Clause (Necessary and Proper Clause): A clause in the Constitution that gives Congress the power to make all laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers.