Section: American Government: System

60. What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

Official answer

• (It states that the) powers not given to the federal government belong to the states or to the people.

Why

The 10th Amendment reserves to the states or the people any powers not given to the federal government.

Answers verified against USCIS materials. Last checked 2026-07-17.

Official source: USCIS — 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025)