What are denied powers?

Denied powers refer to the authorities and actions that the Constitution explicitly prohibits both the federal and state governments from exercising. This concept is rooted in the idea that in a federal system, certain powers must be restricted to prevent tyranny and protect individual liberties.

The Constitution delineates structures of government and assigns specific powers to different entities. For instance, it denies powers such as the ability to grant titles of nobility or pass ex post facto laws, ensuring that neither the state nor federal governments can infringe upon the rights of the citizens. This limitation is essential for maintaining a balanced system of governance where freedoms are safeguarded.

The other options do not accurately reflect the definition of denied powers. Powers that can be exercised by both state and national governments would highlight shared authorities, which contrasts with the concept of denied powers. Powers granted to the people pertain to rights and freedoms endowed by the Constitution, while powers limited to local governments do not encompass the broader restrictions applied to both federal and state levels. Thus, the correct understanding revolves around the explicit prohibitions laid out in the Constitution that aim to protect citizens from potential governmental overreach.