What is the significance of the Tenth Amendment?

The significance of the Tenth Amendment lies in its function as a protector of states’ rights and individual liberties. This amendment, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, explicitly reserves to the states and the people all powers that are not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution. This means that any power that is not expressly granted to the federal government is presumed to be held by the states or the people themselves.

This amendment serves as a vital constitutional principle that seeks to limit the reach of federal authority, thus emphasizing the idea of federalism where power is divided between national and state governments. By clearly stipulating this division of power, the Tenth Amendment helps maintain a balance that allows states to govern themselves in many areas, reflecting their unique needs and circumstances.

The other options do not accurately represent the purpose or intent of the Tenth Amendment. For instance, it does not extend federal power over states or establish regulations for businesses. It also does not provide a mechanism for amending the Constitution; that process is outlined in a different part of the document. Therefore, the choice that highlights the reservation of powers to the states and the people correctly captures the essence of the Tenth Amendment’s significance.