Powers not Delegated to the Federal Government

Definition

These are powers that are not given to federal government by the Constitution but instead belong to states or people. They're also known as reserved powers under 10th Amendment.

Analogy

Imagine a pizza divided into slices for a party. Some slices (powers) have been specifically set aside for one person (the federal government). But there's still plenty left over for everyone else at party (the states or people). Those leftover slices represent powers not delegated to federal government.

Related terms

Federalism: A system where power is divided between national and state governments.

Tenth Amendment: Part of Bill of Rights stating that any power not delegated to federal government by Constitution is reserved for states or people.

Reserved Powers Clause: A clause in Tenth Amendment stating that all powers not expressly given to federal government by Constitution belong either to state governments or people.