What does the Tenth Amendment state?

• A. Powers are not delegated to the states
• B. Powers not delegated to the federal government are reserved for the states
• C. Powers are granted to Congress
• D. Powers are shared equally between federal and state governments

Answer: (B)

The Tenth Amendment is a fundamental part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, which outlines the principle of federalism. This amendment asserts that any powers that are not explicitly granted to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states and the people. This establishes a clear boundary between federal and state authority, reinforcing the idea that the federal government is limited to only those powers specifically enumerated in the Constitution.

Thus, the Tenth Amendment serves to protect the powers of the states against potential overreach by the federal government, ensuring a balance of power that is central to the federal system of governance in the United States. This principle is essential for maintaining a system where states can exercise their own rights and govern local matters independently.