Which term describes powers Congress has that are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution?

The term that describes powers Congress has that are not explicitly outlined in the Constitution is "Implied Powers." Implied powers are those that are not specifically listed in the Constitution but are understood to be necessary for Congress to effectively carry out its enumerated (or expressed) powers. This concept is rooted in the Necessary and Proper Clause, also known as the Elastic Clause, which grants Congress the authority to pass all laws necessary and proper for executing its responsibilities.

This allows Congress flexibility to respond to new challenges and situations that the framers of the Constitution could not have anticipated. For example, while the Constitution does not explicitly grant Congress the power to create a national bank, it is interpreted that this power is implied by the ability to regulate commerce and collect taxes. Thus, implied powers enable Congress to function effectively within the broader scope of its authority, supporting the dynamic nature of governance in a changing society.