Definition

The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution states: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.” The 10th Amendment allows the powers not specifically given to the federal government to be given or reserved to the states and people of the states. It allows for states to create specific guidelines and regulations separate from the federal government. The Tenth Amendment helps to define the concept of federalism, the relationship between Federal and state governments.

Example

Questions

1. Translate reserved powers into plain English?

2. What is an example of a reserved power?

3. Who are reserved powers reserved for?

4. What part of the Constitution sets up reserved powers?

5. What is the relationship between The Tenth Amendment and reserved powers?

6. If there was no Tenth Amendment would there still be reserved powers?

7. What is the relationship between reserved powers and federalism?

8. If we ended reserved powers who would benefit?

9. What is the relationship between reserved powers, concurrent powers, and enumerated powers?

10. What is the connection between reserved powers and state’s rights?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw reserved powers! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

Further Review