Amendment 10 · Ratified December 15, 1791
The 10th Amendment affirms that powers not granted to the federal government are reserved to the states or the people, emphasizing federalism in the U.S.
Source: U.S. Const. amend. 10
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 asserts that any power that is not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution is reserved for the states or the people. It reinforces the principle of federalism, ensuring that states retain their authority unless explicitly limited by federal law.
The 10th Amendment was part of the Bill of Rights, added to the Constitution to address concerns from various states about the potential for federal overreach. This amendment was intended to protect the powers of states and the rights of individuals from central government control.
This doctrine assesses whether a state law is an exercise of a power reserved to the states under the 10th Amendment.
Holding: The Supreme Court held that the federal government cannot compel states to enact or enforce federal regulatory programs.
Significance: This case underscored the 10th Amendment's role in preserving state sovereignty and limiting federal authority.
Holding: The Supreme Court ruled that states cannot be compelled to enforce federal laws under the Commerce Clause.
Significance: It reinforced the principle that the federal government cannot commandeer state officials to enforce federal regulations.