Which term is best interpreted as the power limit that excludes actions beyond authority?

Which term is best interpreted as the power limit that excludes actions beyond authority?

• A. Dillon's Rule.
• B. Home Rule.
• C. Null and void.
• D. Ultra vires.

Answer: (D)

Ultra vires captures the idea of acting beyond the authority granted by law. It literally means beyond powers, and in public administration and constitutional law, an act, regulation, or decision is ultra vires if it exceeds what the governing statute, charter, or constitution allows. Such actions are not just questionable—they’re legally invalid and can be struck down in court. For example, a city council enacting a regulation that its charter doesn’t authorize would be ultra vires. Intra vires is the opposite, meaning within the powers. The other terms point to where power comes from rather than the act of exceeding it. Dillon's Rule describes how local governments derive authority from the state and are typically narrowly construed; Home Rule refers to broader autonomy granted to municipalities; null and void simply means something is invalid, without specifying that the authority itself was exceeded. Ultra vires directly names the boundary issue—the power limit that excludes actions beyond authority.

Ultra vires captures the idea of acting beyond the authority granted by law. It literally means beyond powers, and in public administration and constitutional law, an act, regulation, or decision is ultra vires if it exceeds what the governing statute, charter, or constitution allows. Such actions are not just questionable—they’re legally invalid and can be struck down in court. For example, a city council enacting a regulation that its charter doesn’t authorize would be ultra vires. Intra vires is the opposite, meaning within the powers.

The other terms point to where power comes from rather than the act of exceeding it. Dillon's Rule describes how local governments derive authority from the state and are typically narrowly construed; Home Rule refers to broader autonomy granted to municipalities; null and void simply means something is invalid, without specifying that the authority itself was exceeded. Ultra vires directly names the boundary issue—the power limit that excludes actions beyond authority.