The U.S. Constitution says powers not given to the federal government belong to the states.
Explanation:
In the passage, Jefferson says protecting the rights of states is one of the essential, or most important, principles of our government. Did that make you think of the Tenth Amendment? It limits the power of the federal government, protecting the rights of states. It says that the federal government only has the powers listed in the Constitution. Unlisted powers are left to the states.
