What are the implications of “states’ rights”?

The implications of "states’ rights" primarily focus on the idea that individual states possess a degree of autonomy and authority that allows them to exercise certain rights independently from federal interference. This concept is rooted in the Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which reserves powers not explicitly granted to the federal government for the states and the people.

States’ rights can manifest in various ways, such as the ability of states to legislate on matters like education, transportation, health care, and criminal justice, reflecting local priorities and values. While states operate within the framework of the Constitution, they do have the power to enact and enforce laws that may differ from federal policies as long as those laws do not conflict with federal law or the Constitution itself. This autonomy has historically led to a dynamic interplay between state and federal authority, often highlighting issues of jurisdiction and governance.

In contrast to this understanding, stating that states can have their own military forces, may ignore federal laws at will, or dictate foreign policy exaggerates the capabilities and rights of states in a federal system. Each of those options presents challenges or outright conflicts with constitutional principles and the established roles of state and federal governments. Thus, recognizing that states have certain rights independent of federal interference accurately captures the essence