INHERENT CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS the federal government possesses all those inherent and implied powers that, at the time of adopting the Constitution, were generally considered to belong to every government as such, and as being essential to the exercise of its functions. These powers include the ability to conduct foreign affairs, to exclude and deport aliens, to protect persons in federal custody or employment, to protect federal elections, and to protect federally created or federally guaranteed rights.
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Source: Barron's Dictionary of Legal Terms, Steven H. Gifis, 5th Edition; ©