History & Social Studies

Which of the Following Is Not a Concurrent Power?

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Use this short quiz to spot what is not a concurrent power and what both federal and state governments can do. Questions cover taxation, courts, and more, with quick feedback to reinforce key ideas. For a deeper review, compare the expressed powers of Congress, check examples of reserved powers, and see an example of a reserved power in context.

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1What term describes powers that both state governments and the federal government may exercise?
2Which of the following is an example of a concurrent power?
3Under the U.S. Constitution, which power is shared by state governments and Congress?
4Which branch exercises concurrent power to create lower courts?
5If a state law conflicts with a federal law in a concurrent power area, which law prevails?
6Which constitutional clause enforces the supremacy of federal law over state concurrent powers?
7Both state and federal governments can levy income taxes. This practice exemplifies which principle?
8Which of these is NOT a concurrent power?
9How are federal and state differences in law usually resolved when exercising concurrent powers?
10Which Supreme Court case established that federal environmental regulations preempt conflicting state rules under concurrent powers?
11Which concurrent power allows both governments to borrow money on the credit of the United States?
12The power to take private property for public use with compensation is held by both federal and state governments under what power?
13Under what circumstances can a state not exercise a concurrent power due to federal preemption?
14Which legislative act demonstrates Congress's ability to share bankruptcy power, a concurrent power, with states?
Learning Goals

Study Outcomes

  1. Understand Concurrent Powers -

    Readers will be able to define concurrent powers and explain how concurrent powers are those shared authorities that allow both federal and state governments to act.

  2. Identify Key Examples of Concurrent Powers -

    Readers will learn examples of concurrent powers such as taxation, law enforcement, and infrastructure development to see federal and state shared powers in action.

  3. Differentiate Exclusive and Shared Powers -

    Readers will distinguish between federal-only authorities and shared powers federal state to clarify the scope of each level of government.

  4. Analyze Governance Through Shared Powers -

    Readers will assess how federal and state shared powers promote cooperation and check-and-balance dynamics within the U.S. system.

  5. Apply Knowledge in a Quiz Format -

    Readers will test their understanding by answering interactive questions on concurrent powers and reinforcing key concepts.

  6. Evaluate Policy Impacts of Concurrent Powers -

    Readers will evaluate how concurrent powers influence policy implementation and the practical implications of overlapping authority.

Study Guide

Cheat Sheet

  1. Defining Concurrent Powers -

    Concurrent powers are those that both the federal and state governments can exercise simultaneously, as established by Article I, Section 8 and the Tenth Amendment (Cornell Law School). Remember "Shared Authority" to recall how federal and state share power on equal footing in key policy areas.

  2. Taxation Authority -

    One of the most cited examples of concurrent powers is taxation: both levels of government levy income, sales, and property taxes (U.S. Government Publishing Office). Use the mnemonic "TAXES" (Two Authorities eXact Everyone's Share) to remember that federal and state governments can both tax the same base.

  3. Borrowing Funds -

    States and the federal government can both borrow money on the credit of the United States (U.S. Constitution, Article I, Section 8). A quick formula to recall this is B=F+S, where B is Borrowing, F is Federal, and S is State - highlighting shared fiscal power.

  4. Establishing Courts -

    Both federal and state systems create and maintain courts to interpret laws and adjudicate disputes (American Bar Association). Think "Judicial Duo" as a catchphrase to link dual court systems operating side by side.

  5. Law Enforcement and Public Safety -

    Concurrent powers include the authority to enforce laws, regulate public order, and carry out investigations (National Conference of State Legislatures). Remember "LEAP" (Law Enforcement Across Powers) to capture this shared role in policing and safety.

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Updated Feb 24, 2026