Final answer:
Exclusive powers are specific authorities granted to the federal government by the Constitution, such as declaring war, while residual (or reserved) powers are those not listed in the Constitution but reserved for state governments, like regulating intrastate commerce. Concurrent powers, like taxation, can be exercised by both state and federal governments.
Step-by-step explanation:
To distinguish between exclusive and residual powers, it is important to understand the frameworks of federal governance. Exclusive powers are those authorities granted to the federal government by the Constitution and cannot be exercised by the states. These include powers such as the authority to declare war, regulate interstate commerce, and issue currency. Residual powers, also known as reserved powers, are not listed in the Constitution but are instead reserved for the state governments. These powers are based on the 10th Amendment and allow states to legislate on matters such as education, intrastate commerce, and public health.
For example, while both the federal government and state governments have the power to levy taxes, the authority to declare war is exclusively held by the federal government. Conversely, states have residual powers to regulate marriage and intrastate commerce, which are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution.
An overlap occurs with concurrent powers, which both state and federal governments can exercise, such as the power to tax. Understanding the distinction between these powers helps to comprehend the balance of authority within the United States' federal system.