Definition: Denied Powers

Denied Powers

To protect against tyranny, the Founding Fathers denied some powers to both the federal and state governments.

The federal government can’t grant titles of nobility, or levy export taxes. They also can’t pass ex-post facto laws. This means that if you did something legal on Tuesday, and a law was passed on Thursday against what you were doing, you wouldn’t be breaking the law for your Tuesday actions. Finally, there are no Bills of Attainder, which if allowed, could imprison someone without a trial.

States are denied the right to enter into treaties with foreign nations. They also can’t print money or tax imports or exports.

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