The Tenth Amendment – Power Belongs to the People and the States

The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution reads:

“The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution,

nor prohibited by it to the States,

are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.”

This is one of the most important sentences in American law.

It reminds everyone—especially the federal government—that its power is limited, defined, and granted by the people.

What Does the Tenth Amendment Really Say?

It means that:

• The federal government is not all-powerful

• If a power is not listed in the Constitution, the federal government does not have it

• Those unlisted powers remain with the states or the people themselves

In short: No permission? No power.

Why This Amendment Was Added

After gaining independence, Americans were deeply suspicious of centralized power.

The Founders feared that a new federal government might become as abusive as the monarchy they had just overthrown.

So they added the Tenth Amendment to:

• Reinforce the idea of federalism

• Make clear that Washington D.C. is not the center of all decisions

• Ensure that local communities retain control over local affairs

This was a check not only on government overreach—but on the concentration of power itself.

Real-World Examples of the Tenth Amendment in Action

Education Policy

The Constitution does not mention schools. That means states—not the federal government—control education.

Police Powers

Law enforcement and most criminal codes are state matters, not federal ones.

Licensing and Professions

Who can practice medicine or drive a car is determined by states, not Congress.

Zoning, Roads, Utilities

These are regulated at the state and local level—not by federal law.

A Wall Against Federal Overreach

In modern times, many federal agencies expand their reach into areas never imagined by the Founders.

The Tenth Amendment is the people’s answer:

“You may be powerful—but only in the areas we gave you power. Nothing more.”

Whether it’s about housing codes, medical rules, agriculture, or business regulation—if it’s not in the Constitution, it doesn’t belong to the federal government.

What About the States?

The Tenth Amendment doesn’t just empower states. It also reminds us that some powers belong only to the people, even from the states.

• No state may violate your constitutional rights

• States cannot make laws that conflict with the U.S. Constitution

• The people remain the ultimate source of authority

The Tenth Amendment keeps both state and federal governments in check—by recognizing that the people are above them both.

Why the Tenth Amendment Still Matters Today

In an age of growing federal agencies, endless regulations, and national mandates, the Tenth Amendment is more important than ever.

It:

• Respects the diversity of communities

• Prevents one-size-fits-all laws from crushing local values

• Reminds us that freedom begins where government ends

Final Thought

The federal government is not your boss.

It is your servant—with a job description. And that job description is the Constitution.

The Tenth Amendment ensures:

If We the People didn’t give you that power, you don’t have it.