reserved power

American  

noun

1. a political power that a constitution reserves exclusively to the jurisdiction of a particular political authority.

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Etymology

Origin of reserved power

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

"Illinois courts, therefore, have rejected the argument that the state retains an implied or reserved power to diminish or impair pension benefits."

From Chicago Tribune • Nov. 22, 2014

Able and capable suggest general ability and reserved power, able being the higher word of the two.

From English Synonyms and Antonyms With Notes on the Correct Use of Prepositions by Fernald, James Champlin

What! shall there be no reserved power in the empire, to supply a deficiency which may weaken, divide, and dissipate the whole?

From The Works of the Right Honourable Edmund Burke, Vol. 02 (of 12) by Burke, Edmund

He is to accumulate reserved power, that he may be equal to all emergencies.

From An Iron Will by Marden, Orison Swett

The assemblage, listening in rapt attention, felt the suggestion of reserved power in every sentence she uttered, and burst forth, as she dropped into her seat, in a loud chorus of approving ejaculations.

From The Damnation of Theron Ware by Frederic, Harold