U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentEasy
A civics student is learning about the roles of the U.S. government. Which of the following is an example of a power that is reserved to the states, rather than the federal government?
- ATo print money
- BTo declare war
- CTo regulate interstate commerce
- DTo establish public schools
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To establish public schools
Under the principle of federalism, powers not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states are reserved to the states. Establishing and overseeing public education systems is a clear example of a power reserved to the states.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Printing money is an exclusive power of the federal government.
- B. Declaring war is an enumerated power of the federal government (Congress).
- C. Regulating interstate commerce is an enumerated power of the federal government (Congress).
Reserved Powers (States)
Reserved powers are those powers not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution, nor denied to the states, and are therefore retained by the states.
- 10th Amendment defines reserved powers.
- Examples: education, marriage laws, local government.
- Ensures state autonomy in certain areas.
Memory trick: States 'Reserve' education for themselves.