Which statement correctly defines reserved powers and concurrent powers?

Which statement correctly defines reserved powers and concurrent powers?

• A. Reserved powers are held by the federal government; concurrent powers are shared by all states.
• B. Reserved powers belong to states; concurrent powers are shared by state and federal governments.
• C. Reserved powers are those listed in the Constitution; concurrent powers are not.
• D. Reserved powers are economic powers; concurrent powers are social policy.

Answer: (B)

In federalism, some powers are kept by states while others are shared with the national government. Reserved powers are those kept by states, a concept grounded in the Tenth Amendment. They include things like conducting elections, running local governments, setting education policy, and licensing professions. Concurrent powers are those that both levels of government can exercise, such as collecting taxes, making and enforcing laws, borrowing money, and establishing courts. This combination—reserved powers belonging to states and concurrent powers shared by state and federal governments—is why the statement is considered correct. The other options mix up who holds the power, or mischaracterize how sharing works, or imply the division is based on policy area rather than jurisdiction.

In federalism, some powers are kept by states while others are shared with the national government. Reserved powers are those kept by states, a concept grounded in the Tenth Amendment. They include things like conducting elections, running local governments, setting education policy, and licensing professions. Concurrent powers are those that both levels of government can exercise, such as collecting taxes, making and enforcing laws, borrowing money, and establishing courts. This combination—reserved powers belonging to states and concurrent powers shared by state and federal governments—is why the statement is considered correct. The other options mix up who holds the power, or mischaracterize how sharing works, or imply the division is based on policy area rather than jurisdiction.