What powers are solely at the state level?
The United States Constitution outlines the powers of the federal government
and reserves all other powers for the states. These powers are known as
reserved powers and are solely at the state level.
Some examples of reserved powers include:
1. Education: The responsibility for regulating and funding public schools is
generally left to the states.
2. Electoral Process: The states have the power to conduct elections and
determine how members of Congress are elected.
3. Public Health: States are responsible for maintaining public health
standards and regulating healthcare facilities.
4. Intrastate Commerce: The states have the power to regulate intrastate
commerce which refers to business transactions that occur solely within the
borders of one state.
5. Criminal Law: States are responsible for creating and enforcing criminal
laws within their borders.
6. Family Law: The laws governing marriage, divorce, and child custody are
generally left up to the states to decide.
These are just a few examples of reserved powers that the states hold. The
Tenth Amendment to the Constitution further clarifies that any powers not
specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states.
References:
- U.S. Constitution: Article I, Section 8
- National Conference of State Legislatures. (2021). Reserved Powers of the States.
Retrieved from https://www.ncsl.org/research/about-state-legislatures/reserved-powers-ofthe-states.aspx