What does the 10th Amendment to the US Constitution establish?

The 10th Amendment to the US Constitution establishes that any powers that are not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution are reserved for the states or the people. This reflects the principle of federalism, which is foundational to the structure of the US government. By reserving powers to the states or the people, the amendment reinforces the idea that the federal government operates within a limited scope of authority. This means that states have the right to legislate and govern in areas that the Constitution does not expressly cover, allowing for a diverse range of laws and policies that can reflect the local needs and values of different states.

Understanding this provision is crucial because it establishes a clear boundary for federal powers and emphasizes the importance of state sovereignty. The other options do not align with the intent of the 10th Amendment, as they suggest that the federal government has broader powers over states than is actually true according to this amendment.