Prohibited powers, in the context of government and law, refer to specific authorities and actions that are forbidden by the Constitution or legal framework. These powers restrict certain entities, such as federal or state governments, from engaging in actions that could violate individual rights or disrupt the balance of power.
For instance, the U.S. Constitution explicitly lists powers that are prohibited to the states, like entering into treaties or coining money. Similarly, it outlines powers denied to the federal government, such as imposing ex post facto laws or granting titles of nobility. The intention behind defining these prohibited powers is to protect citizens’ rights and maintain a system of checks and balances within the political structure.