What principle is established by the Tenth Amendment?

The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution establishes the principle that powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or to the people. This is a fundamental aspect of federalism in the U.S. system of government, which emphasizes the division of power between the national and state governments.

By reserving powers to the states, the Tenth Amendment reinforces the idea that states have their own rights and responsibilities, as long as they do not conflict with federal law. This amendment serves as a constitutional foundation for state sovereignty, ensuring that the federal government does not overreach its authority, and recognizes the importance of state law and governance in areas like education, transportation, and local law enforcement.

The other concepts, including powers granted to the federal government, those exercised through the Supreme Court, and powers shared between federal and state governments, do not capture the essence of the Tenth Amendment. The amendment focuses specifically on the reservation of powers, making it crucial for understanding the balance of power within the federal system in the United States.