What is the primary focus of the Tenth Amendment?

The Tenth Amendment primarily focuses on the distribution of powers between state and federal governments. This amendment, ratified in 1791 as part of the Bill of Rights, clearly delineates that any powers not delegated to the federal government by the Constitution, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved to the states or the people. This foundational principle reflects the framers' intention to limit the reach of federal authority and emphasize the importance of state sovereignty, ensuring that state governments retain powers and responsibilities unless explicitly assigned to the national government.

This amendment enhances the federal system of governance by affirming that while the federal government has specific enumerated powers, many responsibilities and powers remain with the states, fostering a balance intended to prevent an over-concentration of power at the national level. The other options, while related to important constitutional principles, either address specific rights not covered by the Tenth Amendment or concern different areas of governance and law.