Final answer:
An implied power is not explicitly stated in the U.S. Constitution but is inferred from it, often through the necessary and proper clause. These powers allow Congress to carry out its expressed powers and adapt to changing national needs. Examples include the establishment of the IRS and regulations on pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
To be an implied power means that the power is not expressly stated in the U.S. Constitution, but it is inferred from it. These powers are necessary for the Congress to carry out its expressed powers effectively. The constitutional basis for these powers is found in the necessary and proper clause, also known as the elastic clause, of Article I, Section 8. This clause allows Congress to enact laws and take actions that are not specifically listed but are necessary to execute its delegated powers.
An example of implied powers in action is the construction of the Hoover Dam. Though the Constitution does not specifically grant Congress the authority to build dams, it was deemed necessary and proper in relation to the expressed power of regulating interstate commerce. Various perspectives exist on how broadly the implied powers should be interpreted, with some advocating for a strict construction while others favor a broader interpretation allowing for greater federal involvement in areas not explicitly outlined in the Constitution.
Throughout American history, many government actions, such as the creation of the Federal Reserve Board, the establishment of a minimum wage, and regulations on air and water pollution, have been based on implied powers. These are viewed as extensions of the powers explicitly mentioned in the Constitution, like the creation of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from the power to collect taxes.
Ultimately, the existence of implied powers has allowed the federal government to adapt and address issues not foreseen by the framers of the Constitution, thereby stretching the powers of Congress to meet the needs of a changing nation.