According to the "state's rights" interpretation of federalism, what limits the national government's powers?

According to the "state's rights" interpretation of federalism, what limits the national government's powers?

• A. State laws
• B. The Constitution as a compact among the states
• C. The Bill of Rights
• D. The Supreme Court's decisions

Answer: (B)

The "state's rights" interpretation of federalism holds that the national government's powers are limited by the Constitution, which is viewed as a compact among the states. This perspective emphasizes that the states granted specific powers to the federal government, and thus, any power not explicitly given to the federal government should remain with the states. This concept underscored the idea of a federation where states retain a significant degree of sovereignty, limiting federal authority. In this interpretation, the Constitution acts not just as a governing document for the country as a whole, but as an agreement that delineates the powers of the federal government in relation to the states. States are seen as having the ultimate authority to determine how they govern themselves, within the bounds established by their agreement through the Constitution. This understanding contrasts with other interpretations of federalism that might emphasize the role of federal laws, rights granted by amendments, or judicial rulings as primary sources of authority in limiting government power. The focus on the Constitution as a compact highlights the foundational relationship and intentions of the states, making it the basis for understanding the limits of national power according to the state's rights perspective.

The "state's rights" interpretation of federalism holds that the national government's powers are limited by the Constitution, which is viewed as a compact among the states. This perspective emphasizes that the states granted specific powers to the federal government, and thus, any power not explicitly given to the federal government should remain with the states. This concept underscored the idea of a federation where states retain a significant degree of sovereignty, limiting federal authority.

In this interpretation, the Constitution acts not just as a governing document for the country as a whole, but as an agreement that delineates the powers of the federal government in relation to the states. States are seen as having the ultimate authority to determine how they govern themselves, within the bounds established by their agreement through the Constitution.

This understanding contrasts with other interpretations of federalism that might emphasize the role of federal laws, rights granted by amendments, or judicial rulings as primary sources of authority in limiting government power. The focus on the Constitution as a compact highlights the foundational relationship and intentions of the states, making it the basis for understanding the limits of national power according to the state's rights perspective.