What term describes powers that are shared by both national and state governments?

The term that describes powers shared by both national and state governments is concurrent powers. This concept highlights that certain governmental responsibilities and authorities are not exclusive to one level of government but are exercised by both. Examples of concurrent powers include the ability to tax, build roads, and create lower courts.

These powers are essential to understanding federalism because they demonstrate how state and national governments can work collaboratively on issues that affect citizens at multiple levels. In contrast, enumerated powers refer specifically to those items explicitly listed in the Constitution as powers of the national government, while reserved powers are those that are not granted to the national government and are therefore retained by the states. Implied powers, on the other hand, are not explicitly stated but are derived from the Necessary and Proper Clause, which allows the national government to create laws needed to execute its enumerated powers. Thus, concurrent powers represent a fundamental aspect of the relationship and interaction between national and state authorities.