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

They like to have an adjunct to the best-working machinery, a sort of reserved power.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 15, No. 88, February, 1865 by Various

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

From An Iron Will by Marden, Orison Swett

In the mean time, the people consider themselves the safest depositary of their reserved power.

From Peter the Great by Abbott, Jacob

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