What is the main focus of the Tenth Amendment?

Study for the Bill of Rights Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question is paired with hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam!

The Tenth Amendment primarily emphasizes the distribution of powers between the federal government and the states. It specifies that any powers that are not expressly granted to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment serves as a constitutional foundation for federalism by reinforcing the principle of state sovereignty and limiting the scope of federal authority.

This focus on state powers is significant because it empowers states to regulate affairs within their own borders and allows for a diversity of laws and policies that can better serve local populations. The Tenth Amendment is often invoked in discussions about states' rights and has been a basis for various legal arguments regarding the balance of power in the United States government.

The other options pertain to rights and protections that are covered by different amendments in the Bill of Rights, such as free speech, the right to a speedy trial, and the right to assemble, which do not align with the specific intent of the Tenth Amendment.

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