The 10th amendment provides which protection?

The 10th Amendment to the United States Constitution emphasizes the principle of federalism by reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people. This means that any powers that are not specifically granted to the federal government by the Constitution are retained by the states or the individuals. Thus, the amendment is fundamentally about states' rights, as it reinforces the idea that state governments hold significant authority within their respective jurisdictions.

This protection is essential in maintaining a balance of power between the federal and state governments, allowing states to legislate and govern in areas that the federal government does not control. It serves as a constitutional assurance that states can exercise their sovereignty, as they are not merely extensions of the federal government but have their own rights and powers independent from federal oversight. This foundation for states' rights is a crucial feature of the American political system.