The principle that a municipality may only exercise powers specifically granted by the state is known as?

The principle that a municipality may only exercise powers specifically granted by the state is known as Dillon's Rule. This legal doctrine asserts that local governments do not possess inherent sovereignty and can only exercise powers that are explicitly given to them by the state legislature.

Dillon's Rule is significant because it establishes a framework for the relationship between state and local governments, emphasizing that any authority a local government has originates from the state. This means if the state does not explicitly allow a municipality to undertake specific actions or adopt certain regulations, the municipality does not have the legal authority to do so. This principle underscores the limited nature of local governance in relation to state oversight.

In contrast, Home Rule allows for municipalities to govern themselves with broader powers as determined by local charters, making it more autonomous from state control. Local Authority is a more generalized term that can refer to various levels or facets of governance and does not specifically denote limitations on powers. Statutory Limitation generally refers to restrictions imposed by legislation but does not fully encapsulate the specific relationship established by Dillon's Rule.