Which of these powers is shared by both the state and federal governments?

Which of these powers is shared by both the state and federal governments?

• A. The power to collect income and corporate tax
• B. The power to build and maintain the interstate and highway systems
• C. The power to enforce laws
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

Concurrent powers are powers that both the national and state governments can exercise. Taxes show this clearly: the federal government collects income and corporate taxes, and states also levy income taxes and corporate taxes in many cases. Law enforcement is another example: federal agencies enforce federal laws, while state and local police enforce state and local laws. For highways, the federal government funds and sets standards for the national interstate system, while states actually build and maintain the roads, illustrating shared responsibility. Because each of these areas involves both levels acting within their own jurisdictions, all of the listed powers are shared.

Concurrent powers are powers that both the national and state governments can exercise. Taxes show this clearly: the federal government collects income and corporate taxes, and states also levy income taxes and corporate taxes in many cases. Law enforcement is another example: federal agencies enforce federal laws, while state and local police enforce state and local laws. For highways, the federal government funds and sets standards for the national interstate system, while states actually build and maintain the roads, illustrating shared responsibility. Because each of these areas involves both levels acting within their own jurisdictions, all of the listed powers are shared.