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The 10th Amendment reserves powers to what entity?

  1. The federal government

  2. The US Congress

  3. The states

  4. The Supreme Court

The correct answer is: The states

The 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution emphasizes the principle of federalism by reserving powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states by the Constitution, to the states themselves or to the people. This means that any power that is not specifically granted to the federal government is maintained by the states. The intent behind this amendment is to ensure that states have the authority to govern themselves in areas not specified in federal law, allowing for a division of power that can accommodate regional differences and local governance. For example, states can legislate on matters such as education, law enforcement, and transportation, as those areas are not explicitly addressed in the Constitution. This framework is essential for maintaining a balance between state and federal authority, reflecting the founding fathers' vision of a limited federal government and acknowledging the significance of state sovereignty. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the role of states in exercising powers under the 10th Amendment.