Which powers are reserved by the 10th Amendment?

The 10th Amendment of the United States Constitution is significant because it emphasizes the principle of federalism, which delineates the division of powers between the national government and the states. The amendment specifically reserves to the states and the people any powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution. This means that powers that have not been delegated to the federal government are retained by the states or the people, ensuring a balance of power and preventing an overreach by the federal government into areas that are more appropriately managed at the state or local level.

This concept is crucial for understanding the structure of American government, as it establishes the foundation for state authority and the rights of individuals. The emphasis on undelegated powers reinforces the idea that the states possess a significant degree of sovereignty and legislative power, which is vital in the federal system established by the Constitution.