Rights Reserved for the People and the States

The Ninth Amendment assures the people of the states that they have rights other than those listed in the first eight amendments.

The Tenth Amendment explains that the states have all the powers that are not specifically given to the federal government. These powers include the powers to hold elections and to establish school systems. The states have authority over marriages and divorces.

States also are required to look after the well-being of its people. States can require vaccinations for school children and licenses for such professionals as doctors, teachers, and lawyers. States can issue licenses to those who hunt, fish, and drive motor vehicles. It can also set speed limits on state highways.

In addition, restaurants must follow specific health rules determined by the state. Finally, the citizens of a state can look to the state police to safeguard their homes and highways.

States share some powers with the federal government. These are called concurrent powers. They include the powers to tax, to pass laws, and to punish

criminals.

On your blog, post the following and title it 9th & 10th Amendments:

1. List five ways states have to look after the well-being of its people.

2. List three powers states share with the federal government.

3. Copy the following situations onto your blog.  Then write a sentence under each one explaining whether the following statements are a state’s responsibility or the responsibility of the federal government.

    a. Issue a teaching license to someone who has applied and has met all the requirements

    b. Make a treaty with a foreign country
    c. Set health codes for restaurants
    d. Issue a marriage license
    e. Declare war