Which principle is often referenced when assessing the powers of a municipal corporation?

The principle often referenced when assessing the powers of a municipal corporation is Dillon's Rule. This rule establishes that municipalities only have the powers that are expressly granted to them by the state government or those that are necessarily implied from those powers. This means that any action a municipal corporation wishes to take must be rooted in a specific legal authorization. Dillon's Rule emphasizes a restrictive view of municipal powers, ensuring that local governments act within the bounds of the authority given to them by their state.

In contrast, Home Rule allows municipalities more autonomy by granting them the authority to govern themselves without needing specific state approval, enabling them to generate local laws and regulations. Separation of Powers concerns the division of government responsibilities among branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power, while Police Power refers to the state's ability to impose regulations to protect the welfare, health, safety, and morals of its citizens. Understanding these distinctions underscores why Dillon's Rule is the foundational principle for evaluating municipal powers.