What concept does the Tenth Amendment emphasize?

Study for the AP Government and Politics Federalism Test. Analyze questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam with our resources!

The Tenth Amendment emphasizes states' rights and powers by stipulating that any powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states or the people. This reflects a fundamental principle of federalism, where power is divided between the national and state governments.

The amendment was created to limit the scope of federal authority and ensure that states retain a significant degree of autonomy and control over their affairs. By highlighting the reservation of powers to the states, the Tenth Amendment serves as a constitutional safeguard against the overreach of federal jurisdiction, reinforcing the idea that a federal government should operate with clearly defined boundaries.

In contrast, other choices focus on different governmental aspects. The federal supremacy clause pertains to the precedence of federal law over state law, which is not the focus of the Tenth Amendment. Individual rights are a major concern of the Bill of Rights, particularly through the First Amendment, while judicial powers relate to the authority of courts and the judiciary system, which are not inherently addressed by the Tenth Amendment. Thus, the emphasis of the Tenth Amendment lies explicitly in affirming states' rights and powers.

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