Which statement about federalism is true?

• A. Reserved powers
• B. Delegated powers
• C. Concurrent powers
• D. Implied powers

Answer: (C)

In federalism, power is divided among national and state governments, with some powers given to one level and others shared. The statement that is true is that certain powers are held and used by both levels at the same time. These are concurrent powers. Both the national government and the states can levy taxes, borrow money, and create and enforce laws, and they can establish courts. They operate in parallel, serving citizens in different ways and often working together on common problems.

When conflicts arise between state and federal laws, the Supremacy Clause says federal law generally takes precedence, which helps explain how concurrent powers work in practice.

Other categories—reserved powers belong to states (like licensing professionals and running elections), delegated powers belong to the federal government (like regulating interstate commerce and coinage), and implied powers are those the federal government can use as needed to carry out its constitutional duties (often through the Necessary and Proper Clause).