Which of the following statements best explains how the Tenth Amendment limits the power of the national government?
The Tenth Amendment protects the reserved powers of the states.
The Tenth Amendment protects the reserved powers of the states.
The Tenth Amendment authorizes the national government to give grants of money to the states.
The Tenth Amendment authorizes the national government to give grants of money to the states.
The Tenth Amendment provides for governmental power to be divided between the national government and the states.
The Tenth Amendment provides for governmental power to be divided between the national government and the states.
The Tenth Amendment allows the states to exercise the police power
The Tenth Amendment provides for governmental power to be divided between the national government and the states.
The correct answer is:
The Tenth Amendment provides for governmental power to be divided between the national government and the states.
Explanation: The Tenth Amendment to the United States Constitution states that "powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people." This means that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. It limits the power of the national government by reserving certain powers for the states, thereby promoting a system of federalism where power is shared between the national and state governments.
To determine the correct statement that best explains how the Tenth Amendment limits the power of the national government, let's break down each option and see how they relate to the Tenth Amendment:
1. "The Tenth Amendment protects the reserved powers of the states."
This statement correctly reflects that the Tenth Amendment does indeed protect the reserved powers of the states. It emphasizes that the powers not delegated to the national government are reserved for the states and the people.
2. "The Tenth Amendment authorizes the national government to give grants of money to the states."
While it is true that the national government can give grants of money to states, this statement does not directly address how the Tenth Amendment limits the power of the national government.
3. "The Tenth Amendment provides for governmental power to be divided between the national government and the states."
This statement accurately describes the nature of the Tenth Amendment. It emphasizes the division of power between the national government and the states, which is a key way in which the Tenth Amendment limits the power of the national government.
4. "The Tenth Amendment allows the states to exercise the police power."
While it is true that the states have the right to exercise their police power, this statement does not specifically address how the Tenth Amendment limits the power of the national government.
Based on the explanations provided, the statement that best explains how the Tenth Amendment limits the power of the national government is: "The Tenth Amendment provides for governmental power to be divided between the national government and the states."