Which term describes the belief that states should have the authority to determine whether federal laws apply within their borders?

Which term describes the belief that states should have the authority to determine whether federal laws apply within their borders?

• A. National sovereignty
• B. States' rights
• C. Popular sovereignty
• D. Federal supremacy

Answer: (B)

This describes states' rights—the belief that states should retain the authority to decide whether federal laws apply within their borders. In a federal system like the United States, power is shared between the national government and the states, with the Tenth Amendment reserving to the states those powers not delegated to the federal government. Those who emphasize states' rights argue that states can interpret, resist, or limit federal laws when they believe federal power is overstepping. Historically, this idea has shown up in debates over how much authority states have to push back on federal mandates. The other terms don’t fit as well: national sovereignty focuses on the nation as a whole, not on state authority; popular sovereignty centers on rule by the people; federal supremacy would make federal law the ultimate authority over states, which is the opposite of giving states control over whether a law applies.

This describes states' rights—the belief that states should retain the authority to decide whether federal laws apply within their borders. In a federal system like the United States, power is shared between the national government and the states, with the Tenth Amendment reserving to the states those powers not delegated to the federal government. Those who emphasize states' rights argue that states can interpret, resist, or limit federal laws when they believe federal power is overstepping. Historically, this idea has shown up in debates over how much authority states have to push back on federal mandates. The other terms don’t fit as well: national sovereignty focuses on the nation as a whole, not on state authority; popular sovereignty centers on rule by the people; federal supremacy would make federal law the ultimate authority over states, which is the opposite of giving states control over whether a law applies.