What does the Tenth Amendment state regarding powers not delegated to the federal government?

The Tenth Amendment is a key part of the Bill of Rights that addresses the distribution of power between the federal government and the states. It specifically states that powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states or to the people. This concept underscores the principle of federalism, which is intended to limit the reach of federal authority and protect state sovereignty.

The wording of the Tenth Amendment means that if a power is not explicitly granted to the federal government in the Constitution, it belongs to the states or the people. This ensures that states have the authority to legislate in areas not expressly covered by federal law, promoting local governance and reflecting the needs and preferences of their populations.

In contrast, the other options imply a misunderstanding of the Tenth Amendment's provisions. For instance, stating that the powers are exclusive to the federal government contradicts the fundamental purpose of the amendment. Describing the powers as irrelevant undermines the significance of state authority and the balance of power that the amendment seeks to uphold. Lastly, suggesting that states may not exercise these powers directly contradicts the amendment's intent to reserve those powers for the states. Thus, stating that these powers are reserved to the states aligns perfectly with the essence of