Concurrent powers

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In the United States and many other Federalist Nations, concurrent powers are powers held by both the states and the federal government and may be exercised simultaneously within the same territory and in relation to the same body of citizens. This is contrasted with delegated powers and reserved powers. Some of the concurrent powers enjoyed by both the federal and state governments are: the power to tax, make roads, protect the environment, create lower courts and borrow money. It is important to remember that where there is a discrepancy, commonwealth powers prevail. This was seen in the (Australian) Franklin Dam Case 1983.

A common misconception is that concurrent powers are shared powers between the central and state government. This is a misconception, concurrent powers are a collection of powers that the states and federal government have in common, not shared.

Some concurrent powers are:

• To collect taxes
• To borrow money
• To establish and maintain courts
• To make and enforce laws

[edit] See also

• Implied powers