Select your state

Constitutional law

powers reserved to states

The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution helps to define the governmental powers allocated to the federal government and the governmental powers allocated to the state governments—a concept known as federalism. The Tenth Amendment provides that “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.”

In California, as in all states, the Tenth Amendment of the United States Constitution plays a crucial role in determining the division of powers between the federal government and the state government. This amendment is the constitutional foundation for the principle of federalism, which allocates specific powers to the federal government and reserves all other powers to the states or the people. The powers not expressly given to the federal government nor denied to the states by the Constitution are understood to be state powers. This means that California has the authority to enact laws and regulations on a wide range of issues, including education, public safety, transportation, and more, as long as these laws do not conflict with federal laws or overstep the powers granted to the federal government.

Legal Articles

State Statutes

Individual & Family Legal Plan

As a LegalFix member, you'll get expert legal services from a local law firm that treats you like an important client. Don't wait—be prepared for life's inevitable legal challenges starting today. And ask your employer, credit union, or membership group about preferred pricing opportunities.

Constitutional law

powers reserved to states

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

California State Code

California State Code

Constitutional law

powers reserved to states

Articles