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

He was slow of speech, and his very heaviness of look added to the impression of reserved power about the man.

From Malbone: an Oldport Romance by Higginson, Thomas Wentworth

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

Through all there is a striking sense of reserved power, and of absolute mastery of the art.

From From the Easy Chair — Volume 01 by Curtis, George William

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