U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics student is learning about the different types of powers in the U.S. federal system. Which of the following is an example of a power RESERVED to the states?
- APrinting money
- BRegulating interstate commerce
- CEstablishing local governments
- DDeclaring war
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Establishing local governments
The Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, to the states respectively, or to the people. Establishing local governments is a classic example of a reserved power.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Printing money is an enumerated power of the federal government.
- B. Regulating interstate commerce is an enumerated power of the federal government.
- D. Declaring war is an enumerated power of the federal government (Congress).
Reserved Powers
Powers not specifically granted to the federal government nor denied to the states are reserved for the states or the people, as per the Tenth Amendment.
- Tenth Amendment
- Examples: education, local government, intrastate commerce
- Ensures state sovereignty
Memory trick: Local governments are 'Re'served for the states.