What does the Tenth Amendment state?

The Tenth Amendment is a crucial part of the Bill of Rights and emphasizes the principle of federalism in the United States. It states that the powers that are not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people. This means that any power that is not explicitly given to the federal government belongs to the states or the people, thereby limiting the scope of federal authority and highlighting the states' rights.

This amendment is essential for understanding the balance of power between the federal government and state governments. It underscores the intention of the Founding Fathers to create a government with limited powers while ensuring that states retain significant authority over local matters. This foundational principle protects states' rights and affirms the role of state governments in the federal system.

Other options do not reflect the Tenth Amendment’s meaning accurately. The assertion that the federal government holds all powers not specified misrepresents the amendment’s essence, as it specifically safeguards state powers. The idea that states can ignore federal laws contradicts the Supremacy Clause of the Constitution, which establishes that federal law generally takes precedence over state law. Lastly, stating that the Constitution is the supreme law of the land refers to the general supremacy of the Constitution and