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 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. What does The Tenth Amendment protect?

2. What does The Tenth Amendment limit?

3. What is the relationship between The Tenth Amendment and federalism?

4. How would the government of the United States be different without The Tenth Amendment?

5. Use The Tenth Amendment in a sentence of your own design.

6. How does The Tenth Amendment empower states?

7. How does The Tenth Amendment limit the federal government?

8. What is the connection between The Tenth Amendment and state’s rights?

9. If you had to rank the 10 amendments of the Bill of Rights from most to least important, where would The Tenth Amendment rank?

10. What does The Tenth Amendment look like turned into an emoji?

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 The Tenth Amendment! 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