THE TENTH AMENDMENT

THE POWERS NOT DELEGATED TO THE UNITED STATES BY THE CONSTITUION

IN OTHER WORDS...

• Programs that the federal gov't currently mandates that states adopt are unconstitutional
• That any power that is not given to the federal gov't is given to the people/states
• To all the powers that are not listed, do not belong to the federal government
• State had responsibility to protect the people from unconstitutional federal laws
• Power should be dispensed among the state governments & local governments

WHY IS THIS RIGHT IMPORTANT?

• Define establishment and division of power
• Defined the federal taxing power and regulation
• Stopped federal gov't from exercising powers that weren't given
• Allowed states to hold elections
• Ensured that each state retained it's power, independence and freedom

THE PURPOSE OF THE AMENDMENT

• First step towards ensuring liberty in United States
• Liberty through decentralization
• Protect the right of you to do things by free will
• Keep relationships between gov'ts & people in proper prospective
• Meant to uphold the documents true meaning

WHY IT WAS ADDED TO THE BILL OF RIGHTS

• Define the balance of power btwn states & federal gov't
• To ensure that the federal gov'ts stays decentralized
• Placing the most power possible into the peoples hand
• Clearly define the federal government limitations
• Emphasize the "limited" nature of the powers appointed to the federal gov't

LIMITATIONS OF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT 👊

• Will not interfere with state laws
• Has only those powers specifically granted by the constitution
• Declare war, collect taxes and, regulate interstate business
• If not included in constitution, the federal gov't couldn't pass it to the states
• Cannot force their power to influence the states and people

RISKS OF NOT INCLUDING IT IN THE CONSTITUTION

• federal government would have supreme power
• Federal gov't too much power at the expense of the people
• Have their own oppressive central government
• America would turn into another England
• There will be no government by consent

WHO BENEFITTED FROM THIS PROTECTION?

• States, considered themselves free & independent
• The people, we are to be given enough power
• Union, retain it's sovereignty; declare unconstitutional laws null
• Even the runaway slaves (late 1700's) were benefitted.

HOW THE FOUNDERS FEEL ABOUT THIS RIGHT

• They feel strong about the amendment , known as Anti-federalists
• Wanted to make sure balance was sent between the system
• Distrusted government power
• Prevent the growth of type of gov't that the British had over the colonies
• Worried constitution -> central gov't = destroy liberty of the people

BACK.. BETWEEN THE LATE 1700 & EARLY 1800

• During the conflict of north and south, slaves ran away
• North stopped federal gov't from coming into their states.
• Founders believed individual liberty is ensured when gov't is spread thinly as possible

THE AMENDMENT PRACTICALLY APPLIED IN TODAYS TIME

• Unfortunately seems to be the most ignored
• Remains checking on the power of balance
• Citizens stand up for their rights to oppose federal laws that may cause harm
• Makes it clear that unconstitutional federal legislation will not be tolerated
• If was properly applied, the fed gov't wouldn't seize the power it has

PROS

• People were able to freely do what they wanted
• Able to marry, adopt, divorce & etc
• Gives states/people right that federal gov't were not given

CONS

• Routinely ignored by congress
• Only practiced when felt like it or when it's remembered

REVIVE THE 10TH AMENDMENT

• Stand up against unjust federal laws!
• Support it & live it
• Enjoy your freedom, the 10 amendment is the way to do it!
• Enlighten others that unconstitutional federal laws will not be tolerated

THANK YOU! 👀✌️🙇📖