Which amendment addresses the powers not delegated to the federal government?

• A. The Tenth Amendment
• B. The Eleventh Amendment
• C. The Ninth Amendment
• D. The Second Amendment

Answer: (A)

The Tenth Amendment is correct because it explicitly reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. This amendment was part of the Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, and emphasizes the principle of federalism, which aims to limit the authority of the federal government by ensuring that any powers not specifically granted to it by the Constitution remain with the states or the individuals. This serves to protect states' rights and individual liberties, reinforcing the balance of power between the federal and state governments.

The Eleventh Amendment deals with state sovereign immunity in federal court, and the Ninth Amendment asserts that the enumeration of specific rights in the Constitution does not mean that those are the only rights people have. The Second Amendment, known for its protection of the right to bear arms, does not address the issue of powers reserved to states or the people. Thus, the Tenth Amendment distinctly aligns with the question, making it the correct answer.