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

It was under the fostering influences of small, independent chieftains that manly strength and organized social institutions arose once more,— the reserved power of unconquerable nations.

From Beacon Lights of History by Lord, John

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

Monroe found a beginning of the reserved power of the States in the Colonial governments which reserved all powers not expressly given to the king.

From The United States of America, Part 1 by Sparks, Edwin Erle

There was about him at that time an air of reserved power which interested though it did not attract those who knew him.

From Casa Braccio, Volumes 1 and 2 by Castaigne, J. André