U.S. Citizenship Civics TestSystem of GovernmentMedium
A civics student is learning about the division of powers in the U.S. government. Which of the following accurately describes the concept of 'reserved powers'?
- APowers not given to the federal government, nor denied to the states, are reserved for the states or the people.
- BPowers shared concurrently by both the federal and state governments.
- CPowers exclusively held by the federal government.
- DPowers specifically denied to both the federal and state governments.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Powers not given to the federal government, nor denied to the states, are reserved for the states or the people.
The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution defines reserved powers, stating that any powers not delegated to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, belong to the states or the people. This ensures a balance of power in the federal system.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. These are 'concurrent powers,' shared by both levels of government.
- C. These are 'delegated' or 'enumerated' powers, not reserved powers.
- D. These are 'denied powers,' explicitly restricted from government.
Reserved Powers
Powers not specifically granted to the federal government, nor denied to the states, which are therefore held by the states or the people.
- Established by the Tenth Amendment.
- Examples include establishing local governments, conducting elections, and regulating education.
- Reinforces the concept of federalism.
Memory trick: D.C. Can't Reserve D.P. for States.