What does the Tenth Amendment address?

• A. Rights not delegated to the federal government
• B. The right to a speedy and public trial
• C. The right to free speech and press
• D. The right to bear arms

Answer: (A)

The Tenth Amendment explicitly addresses the powers that are not delegated to the federal government nor prohibited to the states by the Constitution. This amendment is a crucial part of the Bill of Rights and serves to reinforce the principle of federalism, which is the division of power between the national and state governments. By stating that powers not granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people, the Tenth Amendment ensures that states maintain autonomy and that individual rights are protected against overreach by the federal government.

The other options refer to specific rights detailed in other amendments. The right to a speedy and public trial is covered by the Sixth Amendment, the right to free speech and press is protected by the First Amendment, and the right to bear arms is addressed by the Second Amendment. Thus, the Tenth Amendment stands out as a broader assertion of the rights of states and individual citizens in matters not specifically governed by the federal Constitution.