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

The Act reserved power of resumption during the currency of the lease, but the Opposition contended that the power would never be exercised.

From Our First Half-Century: A Review of Queensland Progress Based Upon Official Information by Queensland

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

From An Iron Will by Marden, Orison Swett

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

It was another indication of his reserved power that the description was so singularly clear, practical, unprejudiced, and impartial that it impressed Grant with its truthfulness.

From A First Family of Tasajara by Harte, Bret