What is the purpose of the 10th Amendment?

The purpose of the 10th Amendment is to reserve rights not delegated to the federal government, affirming that any powers not specifically given to the federal government by the Constitution are retained by the states and the people. This amendment emphasizes the principle of federalism, ensuring a division of power between the national and state governments. It allows states to exercise their own rights and authority, thus protecting local governance and individual liberties against potential overreach by the federal government.

While limiting federal power is a component of the 10th Amendment, the central aspect is the reservation of rights. The right to bear arms, which is addressed in the Second Amendment, and the guarantee of free speech, protected by the First Amendment, are unrelated to the scope of the 10th Amendment. Therefore, the emphasis on what the amendment specifically accomplishes is pivotal for understanding its role within the Constitution.