Those powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people. This principle, enshrined in the Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, delineates the division of authority between the national and state levels of government. An example of such authority includes the regulation of intrastate commerce, the establishment of local governments, and the provision of public education. These areas fall primarily under the purview of individual state governments.
The existence of these non-delegated authorities is fundamental to the concept of federalism in the U.S. system. It prevents the national government from becoming overly centralized and ensures that states retain significant autonomy in addressing issues specific to their regions and populations. Historically, the interpretation of the scope of these authorities has been a subject of ongoing debate and legal challenges, shaping the balance of power between federal and state entities. Understanding this concept is crucial for analyzing the dynamics of American governance.
