What powers belong to only national government any why do they belong to national government and not state?

powers belong federal government (specifically congress) listed in u.s. constitution in article 1 section 8 (the enumerated powers clause). don't mean complete answer other sections of constitution, laws, , judicial cases have arguably expanded these. these powers belong exclusively federal government because constitution holds supremacy on other laws in u.s.


congress shall have power lay , collect taxes, duties, imposts , excises, pay debts , provide common defence , general welfare of united states; duties, imposts , excises shall uniform throughout united states;

borrow money on credit of united states;

regulate commerce foreign nations, , among several states, , indian tribes;

establish uniform rule of naturalization, , uniform laws on subject of bankruptcies throughout united states;

coin money, regulate value thereof, , of foreign coin, , fix standard of weights , measures;

provide punishment of counterfeiting securities , current coin of united states;

establish post offices , post roads;

promote progress of science , useful arts, securing limited times authors , inventors exclusive right respective writings , discoveries;

constitute tribunals inferior supreme court;

define , punish piracies , felonies committed on high seas, , offenses against law of nations;

declare war, grant letters of marque , reprisal, , make rules concerning captures on land , water;

raise , support armies, no appropriation of money use shall longer term 2 years;

provide , maintain navy;

make rules government , regulation of land , naval forces;

provide calling forth militia execute laws of union, suppress insurrections , repel invasions;

provide organizing, arming, , disciplining, militia, , governing such part of them may employed in service of united states, reserving states respectively, appointment of officers, , authority of training militia according discipline prescribed congress;

exercise exclusive legislation in cases whatsoever, on such district (not exceeding ten miles square) may, cession of particular states, , acceptance of congress, become seat of government of united states, , exercise authority on places purchased consent of legislature of state in same shall be, erection of forts, magazines, arsenals, dock-yards, , other needful buildings; ,

make laws shall necessary , proper carrying execution foregoing powers, , other powers vested constitution in government of united states, or in department or officer thereof.

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