What is the difference between reserved powers and concurrent powers?

• A. Concurrent powers belong to the states.
• B. Reserved powers belong to the states; concurrent powers are shared by the national and state governments.
• C. Reserved powers are about currency.
• D. Concurrent powers are federal only.

Answer: (B)

In federalism, powers are split between the national government and the states. Reserved powers are those that the states keep because the national government isn’t granted authority over them; they cover areas like running elections, managing most aspects of education and family laws, licensing professions, and regulating intrastate matters. Concurrent powers are shared by both levels of government, meaning either can exercise them—common examples include collecting taxes, borrowing money, creating courts, and enforcing laws. The key difference is who can act: reserved powers stay with the states, while concurrent powers can be exercised by both the national and state governments, with federal law taking precedence if there’s a conflict under the Supremacy Clause.