Which statement best explains why the Tenth Amendment reserves some rights and powers to the states?

A. The framers believed in the principle of federalism.

B. The framers wanted the states to be very powerful.

C. The framers wanted to limit citizens' rights.

D. The framers wanted to control civil liberties.

Answer

A. The framers believed in the principle of federalism.

Explanation:

The Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government, nor prohibited to the states, are reserved for the states or the people. This reflects the framers' belief in federalism, a system of government where power is shared between a central government and individual states. The framers wanted to ensure that the federal government did not have absolute power, and that states retained authority over certain matters, allowing for local governance that could better serve their unique needs and concerns.