NCFE Civics Practice Exam

The 10th Amendment to the Constitution specifically addresses the reserved powers of the states. It states that any powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states respectively, or to the people. This amendment reinforces the principle of federalism, establishing a balance between state and federal authority.

By asserting that powers not explicitly granted to the federal government are reserved for states or the people, the 10th Amendment helps protect state sovereignty and ensures that states can enact laws and policies tailored to their individual needs. This is crucial for the functioning of a decentralized governmental structure.

The other amendments do not focus on state powers. The 7th Amendment deals with the right to a jury trial in civil cases, the 12th Amendment revises the presidential election process, and the 9th Amendment addresses the enumeration of certain rights and the protection of other rights retained by the people.