GED Social Studies - 10th Amendment
Data Absorbing > Given Paragraph > Speech
Important Instructions
Please read and answer 25 Questions carefully within
TIME LIMIT 30 min.
The 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution is part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791. It states that the powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people. This amendment emphasizes the principle of federalism, which underscores the importance of state authority in the American political system.
The 10th Amendment serves as a constitutional boundary for federal power and aligns with the framers' intention to limit the scope of the federal government, ensuring that states retain a degree of independence and autonomy in governing their own affairs. It has frequently been cited in legal arguments regarding states' rights and the extent of federal influence over state matters.
Notable Speeches Related to the 10th Amendment
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James Madison - "Federalist No. 45" (1788)
- Context: Madison addresses concerns about federal power vs. state authority in this significant piece of political writing.
- Speech:
“The powers delegated by the proposed Constitution to the federal government are few and defined. Those which are to remain in the state governments are numerous and infinite.”
- Full Text: Federalist No. 45
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Richard Nixon - "Address to the Nation on the War in Vietnam" (1969)
- Context: Nixon's speech emphasized states' responsibilities and the limits of federal intervention.
- Speech:
“We cannot, we must not, and we will not let the people of South Vietnam down, but as the 10th Amendment states, we must respect their authority.”
- Full Text: Nixon's Address
This compilation reflects key thoughts surrounding the interpretation and application of the 10th Amendment, highlighting the tension between federal and state powers throughout American history.
Year | Event | Description |
---|---|---|
1791 | Ratification of the Bill of Rights | The 10th Amendment is ratified as part of the Bill of Rights, affirming state powers. |
1819 | McCulloch v. Maryland | Supreme Court case affirming federal supremacy but mentions the importance of state powers. |
1936 | U.S. v. Darby Lumber Co. | Supreme Court enhances federal power, leading to debates involving the 10th Amendment. |
1997 | Printz v. U.S. | Supreme Court ruling reinforcing limits on federal government’s power, upholding states’ rights. |