Final answer:
The specific powers granted to the national government in Article 1, section 8, of the Constitution are called expressed powers, which encompass key responsibilities like taxation and regulation of commerce and are supported by implied powers derived from these expressed authorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The specific powers granted to the national government in Article 1, section 8, of the Constitution are called expressed powers. These are extensively detailed in this section and include important responsibilities such as the power to levy taxes, regulate interstate and international commerce, declare war, and establish a post office, among others. Not only are they enumerated or listed clearly in the Constitution, but they also have implied powers that stem from the 'necessary and proper clause', which allows the government to pass laws necessary to carry out its expressed authorities.
In addition to these, the federal government also has implied powers, which, while not directly stated, are inferred from the expressed powers. The 'elastic clause' supports the expansion of federal action into areas like healthcare and tax regulation, demonstrating how expressed powers are the foundation from which implied powers are derived. The power of the purse is another significant authority granted to Congress, enabling it to control federal spending and taxation.