USCIS 128:60. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

OpenAI. (2026). What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?  [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The 10th Amendment is part of the Bill of Rights in the U.S. Constitution. It explains how power is shared between the federal government and the states. The amendment says that powers not given to the federal government, and not forbidden to the states, belong to the states or to the people.

Some powers are called delegated powers. These are powers the Constitution gives to the federal government. They help the national government manage issues that affect the whole country. For example, the federal government can declare war, coin money, and create post offices.

Other powers are called reserved powers. Reserved powers belong to the states or the people. These powers allow states to manage local issues. For example, states can run elections, create school systems, and regulate businesses within the state.

States also use police powers, which are part of reserved powers. Police powers allow states to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. For example, states can create zoning laws, require vaccinations, and give licenses to professionals.

In simple terms, delegated powers belong to the federal government, while reserved powers belong to the states or the people. This system helps balance power in the United States.