What are these inappropriate powers?

Now legislation arises either from major political commitments made by the Cabinet (or earlier by the Shadow Cabinet while the party was in opposition), or it is of a more routine nature and comes from within the departments when they find their existing powers insufficient or inappropriate for the conduct of administration along accepted lines.

So patriotism has a sense also then in the 18th century to do with support for citizens against the overweening and inappropriate powers of the state.

Repealing etc. unnecessary or inappropriate powers of entry[3] 40.