What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment during federalism debates?

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

The Tenth Amendment plays a crucial role in federalism debates by emphasizing that powers not specifically delegated to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment embodies the principle of states' rights and limits the scope of federal authority. It reflects the framers' intention to create a system of government that balances power between the federal and state levels.

During discussions about federalism, the Tenth Amendment has been significant because it serves as a constitutional affirmation of state sovereignty. It essentially argues that the federal government has only those powers explicitly granted to it by the Constitution, with all remaining powers held by the states or the people. This aspect of the amendment has often been cited in legal arguments and cases concerning state authority and has influenced various Supreme Court rulings regarding the limits of federal power.

In contrast, the other options address different concepts not directly related to the federalism debate in the context of the Tenth Amendment. For example, the supremacy of federal law relates more to the Supremacy Clause than the Tenth Amendment, and the principle of judicial review pertains to the ability of the courts to evaluate the constitutionality of laws, which is not linked to the Tenth Amendment. Likewise, guaranteeing rights to citizens is more aligned

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