Principle 21 of 25
The Powers of Government Should Be Limited and Defined
“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined.
The Principle
"The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined." — James Madison, Federalist No. 45. People thrive when powers are limited and freedom is preserved.
Why It Matters
The Founders did not create an all-powerful national government. They created a government of enumerated powers — meaning the federal government can only do what the Constitution specifically authorizes. Everything else is reserved to the states or to the people (Tenth Amendment).
This principle is the structural foundation of American liberty. The question is never 'should the government do this?' The question is 'does the Constitution authorize the government to do this?' If not, the government lacks the power, no matter how desirable the goal.
The Question
Can you name the powers the Constitution gives to the federal government — and the ones it reserves to the states and the people?
Discussion Questions
For families, classrooms, and book clubs
- 1
What does 'limited government' actually mean?
- 2
Why did the Founders limit the federal government's powers?
- 3
What is the Tenth Amendment and why does it matter?