Which of the following best describes implied powers?

Implied powers refer to those powers that are not explicitly stated in the Constitution but are derived from the expressed powers that are outlined. This concept arises from the Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, found in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. This clause grants Congress the authority to make all laws that are necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers.

By allowing Congress to create laws that carry out its expressed powers, implied powers enable the government to adapt and respond to changing circumstances and challenges, thereby fulfilling its roles more effectively. For instance, while the Constitution does not explicitly give Congress the power to establish a national bank, this action can be justified through the implied powers that stem from the authority to regulate commerce and collect taxes.

Other choices do not accurately capture the nature of implied powers. The misconception that implied powers can be exercised without any constitutional basis undermines the foundation of their legitimacy; they are rooted in the expressed powers of the Constitution. Similarly, implied powers are not exclusive to states, nor can they be arbitrarily revoked, as they are derived from the broader framework established by the Constitution.